Deportation Order for Suspected Bishnoi Gang Member
Canada’s border services agency has ordered the removal of Sahibjot Singh, a man linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi transnational criminal network.
Background and Legal Proceedings
At a hearing on Friday, Singh admitted to firing prohibited firearms on behalf of a criminal organization and conceded that he should be deported.
Although he denied belonging to a criminal organization, the CBSA alleges that he is connected to the Bishnoi gang.
Singh, who appeared via video from his lawyer’s office in Edmonton, is the most recent of dozens of Indian nationals facing deportation for involvement in extortion‑related gangs.
Before the hearing began, he attempted to prevent reporters from attending, saying he feared possible retaliation for his alleged ties to the Bishnoi group.
His lawyer argued that publishing Singh’s identity would expose him to stigma, discrimination and heightened risk if he were returned to India.
Singh also warned that extensive media coverage could prejudice his pending criminal trial, which remains outstanding in Canada.
Public Interest and Media Access
Lawyer’s Concerns and Global News Victory
Global News successfully challenged the publication ban, asserting the public’s right to know.
The World Sikh Organization of Canada opposed the ban, stating that proceedings against alleged Bishnoi members are of significant public interest.
In a written statement, the organization emphasized that Canadians deserve transparency about who these individuals are, how they operate in Canada, the scope of their activities, and whether they acted independently or under direction, including any involvement in violence, intimidation or cross‑border repression.
Investigation Findings and International Links
Hierarchy and Cross‑Border Reach
The Immigration and Refugee Board ruled on June 26 that Canadians are entitled to transparency regarding law‑enforcement responses to racketeering‑related crimes, and that a public hearing would not affect Singh’s criminal case.
In authorizing the deportation, the agency noted that Edmonton police have linked Alberta‑based Indian extortion gangs to several foreign jurisdictions.
Investigators intercepted communications from France, Portugal, the Netherlands and within Canada, demonstrating an international component to the network.
The board described a hierarchical structure in which senior members give direction to subordinates, creating a unified collective that works together to intimidate victims.
Implications for Canada’s Fight Against Organized Crime
Lawrence Bishnoi operates from an Indian prison and leads a transnational crime group that profits from contract killings and extortion.
His organization targets South Asian Canadians by demanding large sums of money and then attacking their homes and businesses.
Police have arrested suspected Bishnoi affiliates in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario; many of those individuals are subsequently referred to the CBSA for deportation to India.
Most of these individuals initially entered Canada on work or study permits.
The CBSA reported that, as of June 18, it had opened 484 investigations and issued 139 deportation orders related to racketeering task forces nationwide, with 81 individuals already removed from Canada.
On July 7, the United States charged Bishnoi and his North American lieutenant Goldy Brar with extortion and with planning the 2023 assassination attempt on Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
