The Lawrence Bishnoi-led organised crime syndicate identified extortion targets through government databases, social media platforms, and in-person surveillance, according to a US Department of Justice indictment of the jailed gangster. The targets included prominent cultural, political, and business leaders in India and diaspora communities worldwide.
How the Gang Operated
Bishnoi’s associates and gang members gathered detailed information on the pattern of life of targets and their family members living in India. The syndicate contacted victims through encrypted applications, threatening to harm or eliminate them or their families if extortion demands were not met.
The US court documents specifically reference the murder of Sidhu Moosewala, a prominent singer and rapper, killed on May 29, 2022, in Punjab’s Mansa. Gangster Goldy Brar and the Bishnoi syndicate claimed responsibility for ordering and directing the murder of 'SSS' — Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu — through a media interview and a Facebook post.
Threats to Salman Khan
The documents further state that between 2022 and 2026, Bishnoi on multiple occasions announced his intention to murder 'SK', a famous Indian actor and television personality — a clear reference to Salman Khan. Bishnoi is currently lodged at the high-security Sabarmati jail in Gujarat.
Elaborating on the purpose of the Bishnoi enterprise, the US Department of Justice said the gang enriched its members and associates through murder-for-hire contracts, collection of extortion payments, and distribution of controlled substances.
