Bishnoi gang claims 1,000 foot soldiers ready for extortion in letter to B.C. police

A criminal network linked to the Bishnoi gang has sent a letter to a police force in British Columbia, claiming it has 1,000 foot soldiers standing by to carry out extortions. The letter, whose contents were reported by CBC, marks a brazen escalation in the group's operations on Canadian soil.

The police force that received the letter has not been named publicly. Officials are now assessing the credibility of the threat and reviewing the group's recent activities in the province.

Bishnoi gang's footprint in Canada

The Bishnoi gang, originally based in the Indian state of Rajasthan, has expanded its reach overseas in recent years. Canadian authorities have linked the network to a series of targeted shootings, arsons and extortion attempts targeting members of the South Asian community.

In 2023, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) warned that the gang was actively recruiting local youth for low-level crimes. The letter claiming 1,000 foot soldiers suggests a more organised and larger presence than previously acknowledged.

Extortion tactics and targets

The group's extortion operations typically involve threats of violence against business owners, often in the trucking and real estate sectors. Victims are pressured to pay lakhs of rupees in protection money or face attacks on their property or family.

Police in British Columbia have recorded dozens of such incidents in the past two years. The letter appears to be an attempt to intimidate law enforcement and project strength.

Official response and investigation

The B.C. police force that received the letter has not confirmed the exact contents. A spokesperson said the threat is being taken seriously and that a joint investigation with federal agencies is underway.

No arrests have been made in connection with the letter. Authorities are working to verify whether the network actually has 1,000 operatives ready to act, or if the claim is exaggerated to create fear.

Canadian police have previously noted that the Bishnoi gang uses encrypted messaging apps to coordinate with operatives in India and other countries. The group's ability to mobilise quickly remains a concern.

Broader implications for public safety

The letter has raised alarm among South Asian business communities in cities like Surrey and Vancouver. Some business owners have reported receiving threatening calls or messages demanding money.

Police have urged anyone who receives such threats to report them immediately. They have also increased patrols in vulnerable neighbourhoods.

Extortion by transnational gangs is not new to Canada, but the scale of the threat claimed in this letter is unusual. If true, it would represent one of the largest organised crime mobilisations in the country's recent history.

Investigators are now tracing the letter's origin and looking for forensic evidence. They are also interviewing known associates of the gang in Canada.

What happens next

Police are expected to release a public statement in the coming days with more details on the investigation. The focus will be on determining whether the gang has the capability to back up its claim, and on preventing any planned extortions.