The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has added fugitive Indian gangster Satinderjeet Singh, also known as Goldy Brar, to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list and announced a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to his arrest.
The FBI made the announcement on September 28, saying Singh is wanted over his alleged involvement with the Lawrence Bishnoi organised crime group. US authorities accuse the network of involvement in targeted killings, shootings, kidnappings, extortion and the trafficking of drugs and weapons in the US, Canada and other countries.
Singh is the 543rd person to be added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, which was established in 1950. The agency said he is believed to be based in California and parts of Canada and should be considered armed and dangerous.
What charges does Goldy Brar face in US?
According to the FBI, Singh is allegedly the North American leader of the Bishnoi enterprise. He has been charged in federal court in Los Angeles with racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to interfere with commerce through extortion and conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances.
The FBI also alleges that Singh and Lawrence Bishnoi ordered the 2023 killing of a prominent political and religious figure in Canada. The indictment relates to the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia.
FBI Los Angeles Assistant Director in Charge Patrick Grandy said the agency had made Singh’s apprehension a priority.
“Satinderjeep Singh, also known as Goldy Brar, is a dangerous individual, and the FBI and our partners have made it our priority to apprehend him, which is why we’re adding him to the FBI’s list of Top Ten fugitives and offering a reward of up to $1 million dollars for his capture,” Grandy said.
India cases against Goldy Brar
Brar is also wanted by Indian authorities in several cases. India designated him a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in January 2024.
He has been accused in India of involvement in extortion, targeted killings and the smuggling of weapons and ammunition. He has also been accused in the 2022 killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala.
The FBI’s latest action follows Operation Hardball, a US investigation that resulted in indictments against 37 defendants linked to three India-based transnational organised crime groups.