A major international law enforcement operation has led to the arrest of 24 people allegedly linked to transnational organised crime networks, including the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The coordinated action, called Operation Hard Ball, was carried out across the United States, Canada and Europe following a multi-year investigation into organised criminal activities such as murder, drug trafficking, extortion and cross-border violence.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced the operation, describing it as one of the largest coordinated actions against international criminal syndicates operating across multiple countries.

Arrests made across multiple countries

According to investigators, federal prosecutors have filed three separate indictments against a total of 37 defendants.

Among the 24 people arrested, 13 were taken into custody in the United States, including 11 in California, one in Indiana and one in Georgia. Authorities also arrested three suspects in Canada and one in Spain, while seven defendants were already in custody before the coordinated enforcement action.

Officials said another 10 suspects remain at large and are believed to be located in the United States, India and parts of Europe.

During the operation, investigators seized around one metric tonne of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin, nearly $40,000 in cash and 12 firearms. Search warrants were executed at dozens of locations, including properties in the Sacramento and Los Angeles regions.

Lawrence Bishnoi among key figures named in indictment

One of the indictments centres on alleged gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently lodged in prison in India.

According to US federal prosecutors, Bishnoi allegedly managed an international criminal network from prison by using contraband mobile phones and encrypted communication devices.

The indictment alleges that the network was involved in political assassinations, murders, kidnappings, extortion, drug trafficking and human smuggling. Prosecutors further claim that the organisation projected a public image linked to nationalism and religion while secretly running a large criminal enterprise.

Among the allegations is the claimed role of the Bishnoi network in the June 18, 2023 killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia.

Prosecutors allege Bishnoi and his alleged associate Satinderjeet Singh, also known as Goldy Brar, ordered the killing. Canadian authorities designated the Bishnoi organisation as a terrorist entity in 2025.

Extortion and international drug trafficking allegations

Investigators allege the Bishnoi organisation used encrypted messaging platforms, social media and public claims of responsibility for violent incidents to intimidate members of the Indian diaspora.

The group has also been accused of running extortion operations targeting victims in California, with alleged demands worth millions of dollars backed by threats of violence.

Authorities further claim the organisation financed its activities through international cocaine trafficking and by stealing drug shipments from rival criminal groups. According to investigators, the network was linked to the theft of more than 520 kilograms of cocaine in the Los Angeles area between 2024 and 2025.

Two other criminal networks also charged

A second indictment targets the Bhagwanpuria criminal syndicate, allegedly founded by imprisoned gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria.

Federal prosecutors allege the network grew into an international organisation with more than 1,000 members and associates across India, the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

The organisation allegedly engaged in contract killings, drug trafficking, kidnapping, illegal firearms dealing and extortion. Prosecutors also claim the syndicate influenced law enforcement officials in India and used false criminal complaints to intimidate rivals.

A third indictment focuses on an alleged drug trafficking network led by Vancouver-based Ravinder Singh Dhanda.

Investigators claim the organisation smuggled hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine every week from Southern California into Canada using commercial trucks, sometimes concealing narcotics inside agricultural vehicles. Authorities linked the network to the transportation of more than 430 kilograms of cocaine between 2023 and 2024.

International agencies highlight coordinated effort

Officials from multiple agencies described Operation Hard Ball as a significant example of international cooperation against organised crime.

The investigation involved the FBI, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, US Customs and Border Protection, Spain’s Guardia Civil and several other international law enforcement agencies.

Authorities stressed that the indictments contain allegations only, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. If convicted, several of those charged could face mandatory federal prison terms ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment.

The United States launched a series of military strikes against Iran on Tuesday, hours after three commercial vessels were attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, marking a sharp escalation in tensions between the two countries.

According to the US Central Command, the strikes were intended to impose “heavy costs” on Iran for targeting commercial shipping. In a statement posted on X, the command said the operation was a direct response to attacks on three commercial ships and described Iran’s actions as “unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire.”

US targets military infrastructure

According to media reports, the strikes targeted multiple Iranian military assets, including air defence systems, coastal surveillance facilities, surface-to-air missile batteries, anti-ship cruise missile sites, drone launch locations and port infrastructure.

Iranian state media reported explosions in the port cities of Bandar Abbas and Sirik, as well as on Qeshm Island. However, Iranian authorities did not immediately disclose details regarding casualties or damage resulting from the attacks.

Iran warns of decisive response

Iran strongly condemned the US military action and warned that it would respond to what it described as an act of aggression.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said on X that the country would not bow to pressure, stating that “the era of bullying and extortion is over.”

Meanwhile, Iran’s central military command said it would respond decisively and asserted that it would not allow any outside interference in the affairs of the Strait of Hormuz or permit others to control the strategic waterway.

Oil waiver revoked after tanker attacks

The US strikes came shortly after projectiles struck three commercial tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Following the attacks, Washington revoked a licence that had allowed the sale of Iranian oil, a measure that had formed part of the memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities between the two countries.

Iran criticised the decision, calling it a violation of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the cancellation of the sanctions waiver, along with the subsequent military operation, breached multiple provisions of the agreement. He warned that Iran would take decisive measures to protect its national interests and security.

Regional tensions likely to deepen

The latest military confrontation is expected to complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, reducing Iran’s nuclear programme and securing a long-term settlement to the conflict that began on 28 February following US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

With both sides exchanging strong warnings, concerns are growing that the fragile interim agreement aimed at reducing hostilities could come under increasing pressure, raising the risk of renewed instability across the Middle East.

Xbox has announced plans to reduce its workforce by 3,200 employees, representing around 20 per cent of its total staff, over the coming year as part of a broader restructuring programme linked to Microsoft’s increased investment in artificial intelligence.

According to an email shared with employees by Asha Sharma, the company will begin the process immediately, with 1,600 employees leaving on Monday, while the remaining job reductions will take place during FY27. The company also plans to divest four gaming studios and is preparing to separate from another.

Business reset planned amid financial challenges

In her message to employees, Sharma said the company’s current financial position required significant changes, stating that Xbox’s business was operating at substantially lower margins than comparable platform and publishing companies.

She said the layoffs were not a reflection of employees’ commitment or abilities but were part of a wider effort to strengthen the company’s long-term business.

The workforce reduction comes as Microsoft continues implementing AI-focused cost-cutting measures across its operations. Overall, the technology company is reportedly cutting 4,800 jobs, with Xbox accounting for the largest share.

Sharma also described the gaming sector as experiencing one of its most challenging hardware periods and said the company needed to “reset Xbox” to improve its future performance.

Company to streamline operations and reduce management layers

As part of the restructuring strategy, Xbox plans to simplify its organisational structure, revise its content portfolio and improve platform operations.

According to Sharma, the company currently loses 64 cents for every dollar invested annually, making operational efficiency a key priority.

She said Xbox would increasingly support independent game creators by offering open development tools and broader audience access.

The restructuring will also see Mojang and King report directly to Sharma. She said both studios have evolved into major gaming platforms with large monthly active player bases and will play a central role in Xbox’s future strategy.

To improve decision-making, the company plans to significantly reduce its management hierarchy. Sharma said some departments currently have as many as 14 management layers, which slow down operations. Xbox aims to reduce this to no more than five layers, and in some cases, only three.

The company will also reduce vendor spending by 50 per cent as part of its cost-saving measures.

Helen Chiang promoted to Chief Operating Officer

Alongside the restructuring announcement, Sharma confirmed the promotion of Helen Chiang to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer.

Chiang will oversee profit and loss responsibilities across Xbox’s content, hardware, platform and services divisions while reporting directly to Sharma.

According to Sharma, the new operating structure is intended to improve investment decisions, strengthen accountability and better integrate the company’s various business units.

Despite the ongoing restructuring and job cuts, Sharma said Xbox remains committed to long-term growth and plans to continue investing heavily in the business, while placing greater emphasis on disciplined spending and strategic priorities.