Convicted Gang Associate Testifies at Deportation Hearing Amid Canada’s Crackdown on Extortion Networks
A convicted associate of the notorious Bishnoi organized crime network testified before Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board that he was paid $4,000 to fire shots at the British Columbia residence of Punjabi music star A.P. Dhillon.
Abjeet Kingra, an Indian citizen currently serving a prison sentence in British Columbia, appeared by telephone at a deportation hearing where the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is seeking his removal from Canada on grounds of membership in a criminal organization.
Kingra admitted carrying out the September 2024 shooting at Dhillon’s Vancouver Island residence but denied being a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. He testified that a co-worker at a Winnipeg moving company, identified as Vikram Sharma, recruited him for the attack.
“He told me nobody would be home and that I only needed to fire outside the house. He said I would be paid,” Kingra told the hearing.
According to testimony, Kingra agreed to participate because he was struggling financially and hoped to support his family in India.
Cross-Country Trip to Carry Out Shooting
Kingra stated that he and Sharma drove from Winnipeg to Vancouver Island, where they first surveyed the property before returning later that night.
According to his testimony, Sharma allegedly set fire to vehicles parked in the driveway while Kingra fired approximately 14 rounds at the residence. Kingra also recorded a video of the shooting using a cellphone.
The video later appeared online after the Lawrence Bishnoi gang publicly claimed responsibility for the attack.
Kingra told the Board he was surprised when he saw the footage circulating widely in media reports the following day and insisted he did not know the Bishnoi organization was involved until after the shooting occurred.
He testified that Sharma paid him $4,000 in cash several days later.
Deportation Case Highlights Growing Extortion Crisis
The deportation proceeding comes amid a nationwide crackdown on organized extortion networks targeting South Asian business owners, professionals and entertainers across Canada.
Authorities have linked numerous shootings, arsons and intimidation campaigns in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario to criminal groups connected to the Lawrence Bishnoi organization.
CBSA officials argued during the hearing that criminal networks often operate through layers of insulation, ensuring lower-level participants know very little about senior leadership.
Kingra’s testimony contained numerous claims of memory lapses regarding the origins of the firearm, the source of the money and the identities of those directing the operation.
However, CBSA officials pointed to previous court findings that concluded the attack had been carried out on behalf of the Bishnoi gang.
Lawrence Bishnoi Network Under Increased Scrutiny
The Lawrence Bishnoi organization is led by Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who continues to direct criminal operations from prison in India.
Canadian authorities allege the network recruits young men, often international students and temporary residents, to carry out shootings, extortion attempts and acts of intimidation.
According to evidence presented during the hearing, the gang uses social media to recruit followers and publicize attacks, often posting videos and photographs of criminal activities to build its reputation and intimidate targets.
The RCMP and CBSA have identified the Bishnoi organization as a significant public safety threat in Canada.
Hundreds Under Investigation
Federal officials reported that as of May 2026:
- 446 investigations related to organized extortion activities had been launched.
- 118 removal orders had been issued.
- 55 individuals had already been removed from Canada.
- Several additional cases are proceeding through deportation hearings.
Kingra is among the first alleged Bishnoi associates to face a public immigration proceeding under these measures.
Broader National Security Concerns
The case also intersects with wider concerns about foreign interference and transnational organized crime.
Canadian authorities have previously alleged that criminal networks connected to the Bishnoi gang have been used to further political objectives linked to India, including acts of violence directed at supporters of the Khalistan movement in Canada.
The RCMP has publicly stated that foreign-state actors have increasingly relied on organized crime groups to conduct intimidation and violent operations abroad.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney has sought to improve diplomatic and economic relations with India while continuing discussions on security concerns raised by Canadian intelligence agencies.
The Immigration and Refugee Board is expected to release its decision on Kingra’s deportation case in the coming days.
Based on reporting by Stewart Bell, Global News.