Unsealed U.S. indictments allege that India-based organized crime networks orchestrated political assassinations, extortion schemes, and large-scale drug trafficking across North America and Europe. And according to prosecutors, Canada wasn’t just another country caught in the crossfire. It was both a target for extortion and a hub for cross-border operations.

Host Noor Azrieh asks Punjab-based journalist and author Jupinderjit Singh: who and what, exactly, are we dealing with? 

Plus a conversation with Sikhs for Justice organizer Inderjeet Gosal, who says he’s got a bounty on his head.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Senior Production Supervisor), Jesse Brown (Editor), T ony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Jupinderjit Singh, Inderjeet Gosal

Background reading:

• International Crackdown on India-Based Organized Crime Gangs Results in 24 Arrests in U.S., Canada, and Europe – United States Department of Justice
• Gangs of Punjab: Guns, Greed, and Girlfriends – Jupinderjit Singh
• Indictments tying Bishnoi to Surrey, B.C., killing detail alleged global criminal network – CBC News
• The story of a Bishnoi foot soldier – Global News
• CBC INVESTIGATES | Extortion, drugs, assassination and transnational Indian crime syndicates: ’Operation Hard Ball’ explained – Radio Canada
• Deportation order issued against Bishnoi associate linked to gun used in B.C. shootings – CBC News
• Canadian border agency investigates almost 200 extortion-related cases in Greater Toronto – Toronto Star 
• Ontario Sikh leader explains why he refused protection: ‘I’d rather take India’s bullet’ – CBC News

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