Bishnoi gang exploited Canada's student visas to expand its crime network

A Canadian intelligence report found the Lawrence Bishnoi gang built its criminal network in Canada largely through the student visa and work permit system, recruiting young Indian nationals and fueling political pressure over immigration screening gaps. The CBSA report cited Goldy Brar, Bishnoi's top lieutenant, who entered Canada on a student visa in 2017 but allegedly never attended classes. It said leaders rely on young Indian-origin men as independent contractors for extortion and other crimes. Bishnoi has been jailed in India since 2015 but allegedly runs operations from prison. Canada designated his gang a terrorist entity last September amid rising criminal charges involving Indian students.