A terrorist listing in Canada grants the federal government the authority to freeze or seize property, vehicles, and money associated with designated groups. It also equips Canadian law enforcement with enhanced tools to prosecute terrorist offences.
The Canadian government has officially designated the Bishnoi gang, led by notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, as a terrorist organization. This move follows the gang’s involvement in murder, shootings, arson, and the spread of terror through extortion and intimidation.
“Acts of violence and terror have no place in Canada, especially those that target specific communities to create a climate of fear and intimidation. That is why Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, announced that the Government of Canada has listed the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code,” stated the Canadian Ministry of Public Safety.
According to the Ministry, the terrorist listing means that any assets owned by the group in Canada—including property, vehicles, and money—can be frozen or seized. It also provides Canadian law enforcement with additional powers to prosecute terrorist offences, including those related to financing, travel, and recruitment.
For example, it is a criminal offence for anyone in Canada, as well as Canadians abroad, to knowingly deal with property owned or controlled by a terrorist group. The Public Safety Ministry further clarified that it is illegal to directly or indirectly provide property if one knows it will be used by or benefit a terrorist organization.
The Criminal Code listing can also be used by immigration and border officials to make decisions on admissibility to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
“The Bishnoi Gang is a transnational criminal organisation operating primarily out of India. They have a presence in Canada and are active in areas with significant diaspora communities. The Bishnoi Gang engages in murder, shootings, and arson, and generates terror through extortion and intimidation. They create a climate of insecurity by targeting communities, their prominent members, businesses, and cultural figures,” the statement added.
The Ministry emphasized that listing the Bishnoi Gang will assist Canadian security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies in combating their crimes and enhancing community safety.
“Every person in Canada has the right to feel safe in their home and community, and as a government, it is our fundamental responsibility to protect them. Specific communities have been targeted for terror, violence, and intimidation by the Bishnoi Gang. Listing this group of criminal terrorists gives us more powerful and effective tools to confront and put a stop to their crimes,” said Gary Anandasangaree, Canadian Minister of Public Safety.
(With inputs from PTI and IANS)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/canada-lists-lawrence-bishnoi-gang-as-terrorist-entity-says-specific-communities-were-targeted-23596385