Gang Tied to Extortion Threats Looms as Terrorist Organization, Premier Suggests
Terrorist Designation Suggested for Extortion-Linked Gang: B.C. Premier's Statement
In an uncommon call to action, British Columbia's premier, David Eby, has openly proposed labeling the menacing Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization, citing their disturbing interference with South Asian businesses throughout Canada. Eby expressed his intention to petition the Prime Minister of Canada in this regard, fostering a sense of urgency in the face of growing concerns about public confidence in law and order.
Speaking out following the latest public safety panel convened by impacted entrepreneurs and community leaders in Surrey, Eby voiced his apprehensions regarding the gang's activities. A dark cloud of fear has been cast over cities like Surrey, Edmonton, and Brampton, as these extortion attempts have been marked by shooting and arson incidents in several cases.
Eby's recommendation to classify the gang as a terrorist entity would be a momentous step, unlocking significant investigative tools for law enforcement agencies to effectively combat the group's operations. He stressed that although this is not a decision made lightly, the gravity of the situation demands swift action as the consequences of these crimes are far-reaching, undermining public confidence in the rule of law, our democracy, and the justice system.
India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) has previously identified Lawrence Bishnoi as the orchestrator of a sizable terror-syndicate that exploits prison networks within India, as well as through an associate presently operating in Canada. The list of designated terrorist entities in Canada currently includes organizations such as ISIS, the Taliban, and various Mexican drug cartels, with the designation itself carrying no legal consequence but being accompanied by administrative measures.
Upon being classified as a terrorist entity, the gang's property could be subject to seizure, restraint, or forfeiture, and banking and financial establishments would become bound by reporting requirements and restrictions on access to their assets.
Currently, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang remains unlisted as a terrorist organization in Canada. However, Eby's intentions to petition the Prime Minister for designation reveals that traditional law enforcement measures may not be enough to combat the group's transnational criminal activities. Given the group's ruthless tactics, Eby emphasized that additional investigative tools and international cooperation will be crucial to curb their grip on various Canadian cities and boost public trust in the safety and security of their communities.
Remarking on the terror that these extortion attempts have wrought in Surrey, Mayor Brenda Locke publicly denounced the events as a form of "economic terrorism" during a community safety meeting, where hundreds gathered to voice their concerns. Surrey Police Services have reported a total of ten extortion attempts over the span of six months, but fear that the true number could be much higher due to underreporting.
The premier's proposal to classify the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization could mark a shift in the fight against their extensive criminal activities, as it would grant law enforcement enhanced investigative tools against this transnational entity. The aggravating effects of the gang's extortion threats and violent methods have led Eby and Surrey's Mayor Brenda Locke to describe them as a form of both crime and terrorism, impacting not only individual citizens but also general-news, politics, and the overall well-being of Canadian communities.
