Transnational Extortion Networks Target California's Sikh Community

In recent months, California's Sikh community has faced a surge in extortion attempts linked to international criminal networks, particularly the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which operates across India, the United States, and Canada. This situation has escalated to the point where athletes were intimidated into withdrawing from events, such as the Kabaddi World Cup, due to threats from gang members. Harsimran Singh, president of the American Kabaddi Federation, reported that players received menacing calls from incarcerated gangsters, leading to widespread fear and cancellations.

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The extortion tactics employed by these gangs are characterized by direct threats to victims and their families, often demanding sums between $4,000 and $7,000 to avoid police involvement. San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow noted that victims frequently pay these initial demands, believing it will protect them, only to find themselves targeted again for more money. The FBI has linked at least two homicides in California to these criminal networks, indicating a dangerous escalation in violence.

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Lawrence Bishnoi, the leader of the Bishnoi gang, remains incarcerated in India but continues to orchestrate extortion operations using contraband cellphones and encrypted messaging apps. His gang members in the U.S. relay threats to victims, and if demands are not met, they coordinate violent reprisals through associates in India. Anmol Bishnoi, Lawrence's brother, was arrested in Nebraska and is implicated in high-profile murders, further illustrating the gang's reach and influence.

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The psychological toll on victims is significant. One businessman reported receiving a demand for $1 million, which has severely restricted his freedom and mobility. Many community members choose to remain silent about these threats due to fear of retaliation against themselves or their families, a sentiment echoed by Naindeep Singh of the Jakara Movement, who highlighted the underreporting of such crimes.

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California law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and local sheriff's offices, are aware of the growing threat and have begun to take action. The FBI has urged the Indian community to report extortion attempts, while local authorities have acknowledged that many crimes go unrecorded. Investigations have led to multiple arrests, but the pervasive fear within the community complicates efforts to combat these criminal activities.

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• “The players were very afraid; if they got a call, they didn’t want to go against gangsters.” — Harsimran Singh, President of the American Kabaddi Federation

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• “Most of the time, a few months later, the extortion crew will come back and want more money again,” — Patrick Withrow, San Joaquin County Sheriff

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• “Many Sikh community members “choose to remain silent because of a fear of reprisal to them, their body, their business, and to their loved ones in the United States or India,” said Naindeep Singh.” — Naindeep Singh, Executive Director of the Jakara Movement

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As law enforcement continues to address the issue, community leaders are advocating for increased awareness and reporting of extortion attempts. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing investigations and potential future arrests as authorities work to dismantle these transnational criminal networks.

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