From Student Visas to ‘Foot Soldiers’: Calgary Police Probe Alleged Links to Lawrence Bishnoi Network
Calgary police have released photographs of 15 men charged in connection with a series of violent extortion incidents targeting the city’s South Asian community, as investigators probe alleged links between the accused and organised criminal networks.
The Calgary Police Service (CPS) said 16 people are facing 56 criminal charges related to the extortion investigations. Only one of the accused remains in custody, while the others have been released on bail. Police said none of those charged are Canadian citizens.
According to police briefings and media reports, most of the accused are of Punjabi origin from India and had travelled to Canada on student or work visas.
Punjab-to-Canada Route Under Scanner
A report published in Punjabi media has highlighted a possible recruitment pipeline in which young men from Punjab allegedly travelled to Canada on student visas or work permits, before becoming involved with criminal networks.
The report describes the accused as alleged “foot soldiers” of a wider network and claims that some were recruited after arriving in Canada, particularly when they struggled to find employment.
Police, however, are continuing to investigate the individual roles and wider associations of those charged.
Social Media Allegedly Used to Recruit Young Men
The newspaper report also points to social media recruitment, alleging that criminal networks used platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat to attract young men by showcasing a flashy lifestyle.
According to the report, recruits were allegedly offered money for carrying out tasks. Some were reportedly initially assigned relatively minor jobs before allegedly being drawn into more serious criminal activity.
Police have urged the public to provide information about the accused, including their associates, workplaces and places they frequently visit.
49 Extortion Incidents, 19 Shootings Since April 2025
The Calgary cases form part of a wider pattern of extortion targeting South Asian communities across Canada, particularly in British Columbia and the Greater Toronto Area.
CPS said it has documented 49 extortion-related incidents since April 2025, including 19 shootings. Eighteen shootings were directed at victims or their property, while one involved suspects allegedly shooting at each other.
Authorities say the alleged model involves criminal networks recruiting individuals to threaten victims or use violence, including shootings at homes and vehicles, to demand money.
Alleged Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Link
The newspaper report also highlights an alleged connection between the Calgary extortion network and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
It refers to allegations that threats and extortion demands were carried out on behalf of members or associates of the network. However, these alleged links remain part of the ongoing investigations and should not be treated as established facts against every accused person.
Police Operations Bring Down Shooting Numbers
Calgary police are continuing their crackdown through Operation Orion, focused on investigations, and Operation Outage, which involves increased police presence and community engagement.
Jeff Bell, Superintendent of the CPS Criminal Operations and Intelligence Division, said the operations have contributed to a reduction in violence.
Police recorded nine extortion-linked shootings during the first 60 days of 2026, compared with two during the roughly 100 days that followed, according to Bell.
Despite the decline, Bell described the release of most of the accused back into the community as “concerning”. Bail decisions are made by the courts after the Crown presents its position.
Community Welcomes Release of Suspects’ Photos
The release of the photographs has been welcomed by Calgary's South Asian community.
Rishi Nagar, news director of South Asian radio station Red FM, described the move as a “relief”, saying community members had been demanding photographs because, without them, people had no way of knowing whether someone they encountered was among those charged.
Police are also seeking information to help locate Germanjeet Singh, who is wanted on outstanding warrants.
With the investigations still active, Calgary police have warned that additional suspects may remain at large and urged anyone with information to contact police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.