India police probe officer named in US crimes sting

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 9, 2026

Indian authorities have launched a probe into Punjab police Inspector Gurinderjit Singh Nagra after US officials implicated him in a transnational extortion ring connected to global organized crime groups. The investigation follows a multi-country law enforcement operation that arrested 24 individuals, including two prominent criminal leaders operating from Indian prisons, highlighting the widespread reach of these syndicates.

Indian authorities have initiated an investigation after a Punjab police officer was implicated by US officials in a transnational extortion scheme involving organized crime groups operating across multiple countries. The inquiry was launched following a coordinated law enforcement effort in the United States, Canada, and Europe targeting syndicates engaged in racketeering, targeted killings, shootings, extortion, and drug trafficking.

Indian police identified the officer as Inspector Gurinderjit Singh Nagra, who has been linked to an extortion-related inquiry initiated by US authorities. Nagra has been removed from active duty while the investigation proceeds.

The international operation resulted in the arrest of 24 individuals and the charging of numerous suspects. Among those charged are two men allegedly orchestrating global criminal enterprises from Indian prisons. One is Lawrence Bishnoi, 33, currently incarcerated in India on various criminal charges, including murder and extortion, and convicted in multiple cases. Bishnoi’s organization is recognized as a terrorist entity by Canadian authorities. US indictments allege that Bishnoi ordered the 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and prominent advocate for Khalistan, a Sikh separatist movement seeking an independent homeland.

The other figure identified is Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, 38, also in custody in India facing several criminal charges. US officials describe Bhagwanpuria as a former associate and rival of Bishnoi who manages a criminal network with over 1,000 members spread across North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. According to statements from the US Attorney’s Office, this group has sought to consolidate its influence by corrupting law enforcement officials in India.

The probe underscores the international scope of organized crime syndicates linked to India and the complex collaborations between global law enforcement agencies to dismantle these networks. The investigation into Nagra and others is ongoing as authorities work to ascertain the full extent of their involvement.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.