Premier David Eby said listing the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist group is “the right move.”
Federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced Monday that the government has designated the India-based gang a terrorist entity.
The move means anything owned by the group in Canada – from vehicles to money – can be frozen or seized. It also gives Canadian law enforcement more tools to prosecute offences, including those related to financing, travel and recruitment.
“Specific communities have been targeted for terror, violence and intimidation by the Bishnoi Gang,” said Anandasangaree in a statement. “Listing this group of criminal terrorists gives us more powerful and effective tools to confront and put a stop to their crimes.”
Ottawa said the Bishnoi gang have a presence in Canada and are active in areas with significant diaspora communities, including parts of British Columbia.
Police departments across Canada have received reports that individuals or businesses were being contacted with demands for money and threatened with violence if they refused to pay.
Authorities said the gang is behind many reports of extortion and threats made against South Asian individuals and businesses in B.C. – primarily in Surrey and other parts of the Lower Mainland.
Eby first called on the federal government to declare the group a terrorist organization in June.
“People have been living in fear of extortion,” said Eby in a video posted to social media Monday. “This is an important move that could make our streets safer. I hope the police are able to use these tools quickly to take action in our community and right across the whole country.”
B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad also welcomed the announcement.
“Today’s designation is a critical step to protect families and small businesses across B.C. who’ve been terrorized by organized crime,” said the Opposition leader in a statement. “But a listing alone is not enough; it must be matched with swift, sustained enforcement.”
Rustad also called on the province to streamline the prosecution process for extortion and organized crime cases.
The B.C. government has partnered with Crime Stoppers on an awareness campaign to encourage members of the South Asian community who have been targeted by extortion to come forward.
