Federal authorities have charged two dozen people in a sweeping crackdown on India-based organized crime groups accused of a long list of violent crimes, including a high-profile assassination in Canada. Officials say 24 people across the United States, Canada and Europe have been charged so far.
According to authorities, the case targets India-based transnational organized crime groups tied to a range of criminal acts. Those involved are accused of extortion, drug trafficking and targeted killings, describing networks that operated across international borders.
One of the most serious allegations involves an assassination carried out in Canada three years ago. Authorities say the groups were tied to the killing of a prominent Indian political figure, an act that drew international attention.
Investigators say the groups used assassination and other high-profile acts of violence to terrorize Sikh and other Indian communities. According to authorities, that violence was also used to legitimize and bolster widespread extortion schemes.
Despite the arrests, at least one key suspect remains at large. Federal authorities say they are still looking for Satinderjeet Singh, who they say was operating as a crime boss in the United States. They are offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
The charges reflect a broad effort to dismantle criminal networks that authorities say reached across multiple countries. With some defendants in custody and others still being sought, officials say the effort to hold the groups accountable is continuing.