Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a money laundering investigation into the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, notorious for its involvement in drug and weapon smuggling both within India and internationally. The gang has also been accused of assisting pro-Khalistan elements, engaging in extortion, and carrying out targeted killings. On Tuesday, the ED conducted raids at 13 locations in Haryana and Rajasthan, targeting properties associated with Bishnoi’s associates.
The ED has taken over the cases against the gang from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Haryana Police, launching a probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The agency will now delve into the alleged activities of the gang, aiming to uncover any illicit financial transactions.
According to reports, Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently serving time in jail, has been accused of channeling illicitly generated funds from extortion and smuggling activities in India to countries such as Canada. The money was allegedly invested in various ventures, including yachts, movies, and even the Canadian Premier League. Additionally, funds were reportedly used to establish clubs and bars in Thailand. The ED will thoroughly investigate these investments as part of their ongoing probe.
The NIA, in its charge sheet against Bishnoi, outlined several instances between 2019 and 2021 when he allegedly sent amounts ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹60 lakh to Canada and Thailand via hawala (an informal money transfer system). The agencies have also uncovered evidence suggesting Bishnoi’s collaboration with Khalistani groups based in Canada, particularly with Lakhbir Singh Landa, a leader of Babbar Khalsa International.
The charge sheet filed in March against 14 individuals involved in the larger Khalistan-gangster nexus stated, “The money collected through extortion, illegal liquor, arms smuggling business, etc was sent to…Goldy Brar and one Satbir Singh alias Sam in Canada through hawala for further investment as well as for funding the radical activities of pro-Khalistan elements.” Sam, identified as the primary contact for managing the ill-gotten money in Canada, allegedly invested a portion of these funds in yachts, financed movies, and organized the Canadian Premier League.
The NIA’s charge sheet also revealed that gang members, including Virendra Pratap alias Kala Rana, his father Joginder Singh, and Rajkumar alias Raju Basodi, sent money collected through illegal activities to Manish Bhandari in Thailand through hawala. Bhandari is said to have provided accommodation and logistical support to Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang members when they visited Thailand.
The ED is meticulously analyzing the NIA’s charge sheets and first information reports to build a strong case against the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. As the investigation progresses, it is anticipated that more revelations will come to light, exposing the full extent of the gang’s alleged money laundering activities.