Canada designates Bishnoi gang as terrorist, enabling asset freezes

Ottawa on Monday formally listed the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity, a move that bars Canadians from financing or otherwise supporting the group and gives authorities new powers to freeze assets and seize property tied to the gang. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced the designation, saying the step was taken to disrupt violent activity that has been linked to communities in Canada and abroad.

The federal statement described the Bishnoi network, led by Lawrence Bishnoi, as a transnational criminal organization implicated in murder, extortion, and trafficking in arms and drugs. Officials say the group generates fear through extortion and intimidation and has targeted businesses, cultural figures and community leaders in diaspora communities. Lawrence Bishnoi has been imprisoned in India, but Canadian authorities say he has continued to direct criminal activity across borders, reportedly using a cellphone while in custody.

The designation places the Bishnoi gang on the list of terrorist entities under the Criminal Code. Under that law it is a criminal offence to knowingly provide property or financial support to a listed group or to deal with its assets. The...