Written by Gagandeep Singh, CalMatters
Last fall, Harsimran Singh planned to attract 15,000 fans to Stockton for an international Kabaddi tournament, showcasing the ancient Indian sport. However, a wave of player withdrawals quickly undermined the event.
As president of the American Kabaddi Federation, Singh grew increasingly distressed as athletes began canceling their participation, often citing vague reasons. Seeking answers, he discovered that some players were receiving threats from gang members based in Indian prisons, warning them against participating and emphasizing the dire consequences of defying these orders.
Singh noted that the players felt a genuine fear, reluctant to risk their lives and those of their families by competing against gang-affiliated individuals. This threat against the tournament is part of a broader trend of targeted intimidation, extortion, and violence aimed at the Indian and Punjabi Sikh communities throughout California.
The modus operandi of these criminal networks is straightforward: gang members contact victims, demanding extortion payments. Refusal often leads to threats against the victim’s relatives, businesses, or even their safety, whether in the U.S. or abroad. California is home to over 250,000 Sikhs, many of whom maintain strong ties to India. This unique demographic landscape, combined with financial resources and frequent cross-border interactions, makes California an appealing target for such criminal operations.
Authorities in California emphasize that the state’s sizeable Indian diaspora provides both a veil of anonymity for criminals and an environment conducive to extortion schemes. The FBI has repeatedly alerted the community about these criminal threats, encouraging reporting and vigilance. In recent cases, demands for substantial sums of money have been coupled with threats of physical violence, a disturbing trend that garnered increased attention from law enforcement.
Connections to Notorious Criminal Organizations
Central to these criminal activities is the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang, whose reach extends across India, the United States, and Canada. Although the gang’s leader, Lawrence Bishnoi, is incarcerated in India, federal investigators allege he continues to orchestrate a network of extortion and targeted killings through encrypted messaging apps and cross-border coordination.
Investigators believe Bishnoi retains access to contraband phones, enabling him to oversee gang activities. According to the FBI, he has directly contacted victims, employing threats and intimidation tactics to enforce compliance. Communication between gang members in the U.S. and their counterparts in India has become increasingly sophisticated, with tools like WhatsApp facilitating coordinated threats against victims.
The recent arrests connected to the Bishnoi gang highlight the ongoing threat posed by organized crime. In July 2025, law enforcement apprehended individuals linked to criminal acts, including extortion and violence, culminating from demands placed on members of the Indian community. Victims often feel compelled to comply, hoping a one-time payment will suffice to ensure their safety, only to find themselves ensnared in a cycle of continuous demands.
In one alarming case, a Sikh businessman from California reported receiving a series of threats, with extortion demands escalating to as high as $1 million. This reality has profoundly impacted his life, constraining his freedom of movement, especially concerning travel to India, due to persistent fear of retaliation.
International Dimensions of Extortion
Another notable incident features Jasmeet Singh, who allegedly threatened a victim living in Canada, revealing the international dimension of these criminal activities. Upon learning the individual was cooperating with law enforcement, Singh escalated his threats, showcasing the gang’s surveillance capabilities and intention to enforce compliance, regardless of borders.
Although Singh did not explicitly mention the Lawrence Bishnoi gang in his threats, the context strongly suggested his affiliation. This case was brought to light thanks to collaborative efforts between Canadian and U.S. law enforcement agencies, resulting in Singh’s arrest and upcoming trial.
Naindeep Singh, executive director of the Jakara Movement, a Sikh advocacy group in California, noted that many community members have refrained from reporting such crimes out of fear for their safety and that of their families in both the U.S. and India. Law enforcement officials have acknowledged the prevalence of underreporting, believing there are far more incidents occurring than logged in police records.
Enhanced Security for Sports Events
In light of rising threats, Harsimran Singh is reevaluating security measures for the Kabaddi tournament. With numerous incidents involving organized crime in India impacting players and fans, he has had to take significant steps to ensure safety at future events. Authorities recommended heightened security, leading him to employ private security personnel in anticipation of any potential issues.
While no formal complaints were made following the threats, both police and FBI agents offered assistance, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. Harsimran Singh remains focused on avoiding any involvement in criminal activities that could jeopardize the safety of attendees and the integrity of the event, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding both his community and the sport he deeply values.
This article was originally published on CalMatters and is republished under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License.
