Cross-border Indian crime syndicate linked to Canada temple assassination toppled in major operation

A U.S.-led international crackdown named Operation Hard Ball unsealed three indictments charging 37 defendants tied to India-based transnational crime groups, including the Bishnoi enterprise, who allegedly ran murder-for-hire, extortion, and multi-continent drug networks from Indian prison cells via contraband cellphones. The probe links the June 18, 2023, assassination of a prominent Indian religious/political leader outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, BC, to a global network with cells in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia. Twenty-two suspects were arrested (seven in Southern California); authorities say the operation netted roughly 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, 1 kilogram of heroin, a dozen firearms, and $40,000 in cash. Investigations continue, with defendants facing federal charges and potential prison terms if convicted, as initial court appearances are scheduled.