Bowing to mounting pressure from provincial governments, opposition leaders, and Sikh organizations, Canada has officially declared gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his network a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code.

The announcement, made on September 29 by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, stated: “Acts of violence and terror have no place in Canada, especially those that target specific communities to create a climate of fear and intimidation. That is why the Government of Canada has listed the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code.”

The designation follows weeks of criticism directed at Anandasangaree, with opposition members calling for his resignation over the government’s failure to curb violent and gun-related crime. With Bishnoi’s addition, Canada now has 88 groups listed as terrorist entities.

Under the Criminal Code, it is illegal to provide financial or material support to a listed group. 

Authorities can freeze assets, seize property, and prosecute individuals connected to the gang. The RCMP, responsible for preventing and investigating terrorism-related activities, said the listing enhances its ability to disrupt Bishnoi’s operations while protecting civil rights.

Anandasangaree added, “Every person in Canada has the right to feel safe in their home and community. Specific communities have been targeted for terror, violence and intimidation by the Bishnoi Gang. Listing this group of criminal terrorists gives us more powerful and effective tools to confront and put a stop to their crimes.”

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown welcomed the move, noting it came after months of advocacy by municipal leaders, police, and community groups. He recalled writing to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Anandasangaree in June 2025 urging urgent action.

“The Bishnoi gang is sophisticated, transnational and ruthless. If law enforcement is to dismantle their networks, we must match—or exceed—that sophistication. This new designation gives police and security agencies the authority to follow their money, interdict recruitment and shut down transit and communication links that enable their operations,” Brown said.

The Bishnoi Gang, led from prison in India, has been linked to murders, extortion, and intimidation schemes targeting South Asian communities in Canada. Authorities say the listing strengthens tools to freeze bank accounts, seize vehicles, disrupt travel, and block cross-border activities. Immigration officials will also gain broader powers to deny entry to individuals associated with the gang.

Brown thanked federal leaders for responding to calls from Peel Regional Police, British Columbia Premier David Eby, the World Sikh Organization, and municipal leaders including Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.

“This designation equips law enforcement with the critical tools they need to protect communities, deter further violence and extortion, and restore public confidence,” Brown said. “I am especially grateful to Prime Minister Carney and Minister Anandasangaree for their leadership and responsiveness on this pressing issue.”

The Bishnoi Gang, a transnational criminal network based in India with operations in Canada, has been accused of murder, shootings, arson, and widespread extortion. Officials said the federal listing will strengthen law enforcement’s ability to dismantle the gang’s activities and safeguard vulnerable communities across the country.

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