Gangs of Canada: A Complex and Evolving Threat to the West and East

Canada's gang landscape is multifaceted, featuring deep-rooted connections to global criminal enterprises. Despite ongoing efforts by law enforcement, the fluidity, adaptability, and international reach of these groups pose persistent challenges to public safety and the legal system. Many gangs operating in Canada—particularly in British Columbia and Ontario—are intricately linked to transnational drug trafficking, money laundering, and violent crime. Among the most concerning elements are Indo-Canadian gangs, whose activities have not only destabilised local communities but have also strained international relations, particularly with India.

Indo-Canadian Gangs: From Street Violence to Diplomatic Tensions

Punjabi-Origin Gangs and Their Criminal Syndicates

In British Columbia, several Punjabi-Canadian individuals and groups are heavily involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and gang violence. These networks maintain connections to political elements in India and engage in organised crime across North America. India has raised alarms that separatists and gang leaders linked to violence in Punjab have found refuge in Canada. This issue has become a focal point in diplomatic tensions, with India accusing Canada of harbouring figures with both criminal and political agendas.

The Dhak-Duhre Group

The Dhak-Duhre gang emerged as a significant player in Vancouver's drug scene, notorious for its involvement in violent conflicts with rival groups. The gang's leaders, Gurmit Singh Dhak and Sukh Dhak, were killed in targeted shootings, triggering a wave of retaliatory violence in the region. Their deadly rivalry with the Red Scorpions, another Indo-Canadian gang, resulted in a surge of homicides and public violence in British Columbia during the early 2010s.

Notable Indo-Canadian Gangs in Canada

The Red Scorpions and the Surrey Six Murders: The Red Scorpions, comprised of members from diverse ethnic backgrounds, gained notoriety following the Surrey Six murders in 2007, which left six people dead, including innocent bystanders. This high-profile crime underscored the violent nature of gang rivalries in British Columbia and served as a wake-up call for Canadian law enforcement regarding the severity of gang conflicts in the region.

The Brothers Keepers: The Brothers Keepers represent a newer but powerful faction within British Columbia's criminal landscape. They dominate significant portions of the drug trade in the Lower Mainland and are known for internal feuds, targeted killings, and territorial disputes with other gangs. Their operations extend beyond provincial borders, with connections to drug trafficking networks in the United States and Mexico.

Mafia Networks and Broader Connections

In addition to Indo-Canadian gangs, Canada is home to well-organised crime syndicates, including:

• The Rizzuto Crime Family: Based in Montreal, this mafia network plays a central role in narcotics trafficking and money laundering, with close ties to Italy's 'Ndrangheta and other European crime families.
• Hells Angels: The Hells Angels motorcycle gang has a strong presence in Canada, particularly in Vancouver. They engage in various criminal activities, from drug trafficking to extortion, and maintain alliances with other gangs, such as the Wolfpack Alliance, to expand their operations.

Canda's Law Enforcement Challenges 

Canada's efforts to combat gang violence and organised crime encounter several hurdles, including:

• Fluid Gang Alliances: Groups like the Wolfpack Alliance exemplify the fluid nature of Canadian gangs, complicating law enforcement's ability to track their activities.
• Transnational Networks: These gangs have connections beyond Canada, collaborating with criminal organisations in the United States, Europe, and Asia, further complicating law enforcement efforts.
• Community Infiltration and Protection: Many gangs exploit community ties for protection and utilise legitimate businesses for money laundering, making it increasingly difficult for authorities to identify their operations.

Canada's gang landscape reflects the country's broader socio-political challenges, involving not just local crime but also international dynamics. The activities of Indo-Canadian gangs highlight the intersection of organised crime, political agendas, and international diplomacy. Despite intensified efforts by law enforcement to dismantle these networks, the fluid and adaptive nature of these gangs continues to pose significant challenges. The transnational connections of these groups necessitate coordinated international efforts to effectively curb their influence and restore public safety. 

Disclaimer: This article draws from credible sources such as Criminal Intelligence Service Canada reports and recent diplomatic developments reported by Indian media outlets. Please write to us at editorial@tice.news in case of any factual misinformation.