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By Amanda Greenwood
Associate News Editor
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The FBI has elevated alleged transnational organized crime figure Satinderjeet Singh, better known as Goldy Brar, to its infamous Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.
"Satinderjeet Singh, also known as Goldy Brar, is a dangerous individual, and the FBI and our partners have made it our priority to apprehend him," Patrick Grandy, assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office, said when the FBI announced the classification.
The bureau announced on Monday that it is offering a reward of up to $1 million for any information that could lead to Singh's arrest. The Indian national, who is in his early thirties, is the 543rd person added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list.
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Why This Matters
While the FBI's most-wanted list has typically featured the likes of serial killers, fugitives accused of major violent crimes, and terrorist suspects, the addition of Singh demonstrates the increasing concern among American authorities about transnational organized crime groups with roots abroad but reach extending into the United States and Canada.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said that the inclusion of Singh in the most wanted list "underscores this administration’s determination to bring the full force of the law upon transnational criminal gangs."
Alleged Leader of a North American Crime Network
According to the FBI, Singh is wanted for his "alleged involvement" in the Lawrence Bishnoi Organized Crime Group, which authorities claim has engaged in violent criminal activities across America, including "targeted assassinations, shootings, murders, kidnappings, extortions, assaults, and the trafficking of narcotics and weapons."
The bureau believes that Singh is the organization's leader in North America and is based in the United States.
Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles have charged Singh with:
- "Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy": this means they believe Singh participated in an ongoing criminal organization, rather than committing one single crime.
- "Conspiracy to interfere and attempted interference with commerce by extortion": this means they think Singh and others may have worked together to secure money or benefits through threats or intimidation, and those actions affected businesses or commercial activity.
- "Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances": this means they think Singh possessed illegal drugs and planned to sell, transport, or otherwise distribute them.
The charges remain allegations, and Singh has not yet been convicted.
Part of a Larger Federal Crackdown
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Singh’s case is part of a bigger, major federal investigation called "Operation Hardball," which specifically targets India-based transnational organized crime groups.
In July, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced criminal charges against 37 defendants connected to India-based transnational organized crime groups, alleging crimes that stretched across international borders. At the time, 24 defendants had been arrested or were already in custody.
The FBI has linked Singh and the Bishnoi organization to the 2023 assassination in Canada of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Indian political and religious figure from Punjab state. Authorities allege that the organization has orchestrated criminal activities in multiple countries and that Singh acted as a key leader while Lawrence Bishnoi remained imprisoned in India.
International Cooperation
The FBI said it is working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other international law enforcement partners to find Singh.
FBI Warning and Public Appeal
The FBI has warned that Singh should be considered "extremely violent, armed, and dangerous" and urged members of the public not to approach him. Investigators believe he has previously lived in California and also parts of Canada.
Anyone with information about Singh or his whereabouts should contact the FBI through its free-of-charge tip line, a local FBI office, or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Newsweek has reached out to the FBI via email for comment and is awaiting a response.
Newsweek’s reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to produce this story. Learn more about Martyn here.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Alabama Jackson and James Debens
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