Canadian Police Reveal Letter Claiming Gang Has Access to More Than 1,000 Shooters Across the Country
OTTAWA – Canadian law enforcement agencies are sounding the alarm over a rapidly growing extortion crisis targeting South Asian communities, after police revealed that a group identifying itself as linked to jailed Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi claimed to have access to more than 1,000 individuals willing to carry out shootings across Canada.
The revelation emerged during proceedings before Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board, where Edmonton Police Service Constable Kevin St. Louis testified about the growing influence of organized extortion networks operating across multiple provinces.
According to testimony, a letter received by police in Abbotsford, British Columbia, in August 2025 described the structure and reach of the criminal organization and outlined its alleged ability to mobilize large numbers of individuals to carry out acts of violence.
The letter reportedly stated that businesses were expected to pay a “tax,” a reference investigators believe was intended to justify extortion demands made against South Asian business owners.
Canadian authorities say the extortion scheme follows a familiar pattern. Business owners receive threats through messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and are instructed to pay large sums of money. Those who refuse often become targets of gunfire attacks against their homes, businesses or vehicles.
The names of Lawrence Bishnoi and his former associate Goldy Brar are frequently invoked during these threats, creating fear among victims and amplifying the gang’s reputation.
Lawrence Bishnoi, who has remained in custody in India for nearly a decade, is alleged by investigators to continue influencing criminal activities through a network of associates operating internationally.
Police testimony indicated that many of the individuals recruited to conduct shootings are young men, often international students or recent arrivals to Canada who are offered relatively small amounts of money to carry out attacks.
Investigators believe some recruits are attracted by a sense of belonging, identity and perceived status associated with organized criminal groups.
Authorities say the provinces most affected by the extortion campaign include British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario — regions with large South Asian populations and significant concentrations of small businesses.
Police also warned that the success and publicity surrounding these criminal activities have led to the emergence of copycat gangs. These groups frequently use the names of well-known criminal figures to intimidate victims but often lack the organizational structure or capability of established networks.
Law enforcement agencies across Canada have established specialized task forces to combat the growing wave of extortion, shootings and intimidation tactics targeting business owners.
The Abbotsford Police Department confirmed receiving the letter and said details were immediately shared with police partners involved in national efforts to address the extortion crisis.
Investigators continue to work collaboratively across provincial boundaries to identify those responsible and disrupt criminal networks operating within Canada.
The issue has become a major public safety concern, prompting increased cooperation among municipal police services, the RCMP and federal agencies.
Police are encouraging anyone who receives extortion demands or threats to report them immediately and avoid making payments, as authorities believe many victims remain reluctant to come forward due to fear of retaliation.
As investigations continue, Canadian law enforcement officials warn that organized crime groups are increasingly exploiting digital communications, social media and international connections to expand their reach, making coordinated enforcement efforts more important than ever.