Canada Declares Lawrence Bishnoi Gang as Terrorist Organization

Canada has officially designated the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity due to its involvement in murder, shootings, arson, extortion, and threats. Under Canadian law, the assets, vehicles, property, and funds belonging to this group can be seized. This decision followed talks between India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his Canadian counterpart. With this addition, there are now 88 groups listed as terrorist entities in Canada. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

The formal designation took place on September 29, 2025. Canada cited the gang’s actions in provoking fear and intimidation in specific communities as justification. A press release from Canada’s Ministry of Public Safety confirmed that freezing or confiscating property controlled by the gang is now legally permissible, and law enforcement gains expanded powers to prosecute terrorist offences including financing, recruitment, and travel. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Diplomatic Context

This announcement came after a bilateral meeting between India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Canada’s counterpart Nathalie Drouin in New Delhi, where both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation on counterterrorism and transnational crime. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree stated that the gang had targeted certain communities with terror and intimidation. The designation will grant law enforcement tools to dismantle its operations. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

How Many Terrorist Entities Now?

With the addition of the Bishnoi gang, the total number of terrorist groups listed in Canada has reached 88. The Bishnoi network operates transnationally, with presence in Canadian diaspora communities and links to cross-border criminal operations. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Canada’s Legal Framework

Under Canada’s Criminal Code, organizations officially listed as terrorist entities allow authorities to:

• Seize, freeze, or confiscate any property, vehicles, or funds owned or controlled by the group.
• Prosecute persons who finance, recruit for, or support the group knowingly.
• Grant expanded powers to law enforcement for investigation, surveillance, and prosecution of terrorism-related crimes. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

This legal mechanism is designed so that Canada can more effectively disrupt criminal networks that operate under the guise of organized crime but engage in acts akin to terror. Observers note that the designation also enhances Canada’s ability to cooperate with international partners on intelligence sharing and legal action. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}