The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced that it is seeking Satinderjit Singh, known as Goldy Brar, for his alleged involvement in organized crime and murder. Brar is one of the top 10 most wanted individuals in the United States, with a $1 million reward offered for information that leads to his capture. According to the FBI, Brar is a leader of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a transnational organized crime group operating in North America.
Brar is wanted on federal charges in the United States for his alleged role as a leader of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which is accused of committing crimes including murder, extortion, and racketeering. The gang is believed to be operating in California and Canada. The FBI's investigation, dubbed Operation Hardball, targets transnational organized crime groups. Brar has been linked to the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in May 2022.
The Indian government designated Brar as a terrorist in January 2024, and he has been accused of masterminding the murder of Sidhu Moosewala. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against Brar, alleging that he was the brain behind the murder. Brar publicly claimed responsibility for the killing just hours after it occurred.
The Punjab Police have welcomed the FBI's decision to add Brar to its list of most wanted individuals. The police had been working with central agencies to track Brar down in North America. However, they expressed disappointment that Canada had previously dropped Brar from its watchlist despite evidence of his involvement in organized crime.
According to the Punjab Police, Brar had been operating a extortion racket from Canada, targeting individuals in India and abroad. The police had provided Canadian authorities with information about Brar's location, but he was not apprehended. The Interpol had also issued a red notice for Brar, and he was listed on the Canadian Police's "BOLO" (Be On the LookOut) list, but was later removed without explanation.
There are reports that Brar may have relocated to the United States, and the Punjab Police believe he was operating an extortion network from Canada. In December 2022, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, claimed that Brar had been detained in California, but this was later found to be untrue. The Punjab Police have been working to gather evidence against Brar and his associates.
The Punjab Police have reported that transnational organized crime groups operating from Canada have been exploiting the connections between the Punjabi diaspora in Canada and India. These groups have evolved from traditional organized crime to more violent and terrorist-like activities. The police have identified a pattern of extortion and targeted killings, often carried out by gangs operating remotely from Canada.
Key points
- The FBI is offering a $1 million reward for information leading to the capture of Goldy Brar.
- Brar is accused of masterminding the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.
- The Punjab Police had provided Canadian authorities with information about Brar's location, but he was not apprehended.
