Crackdown on international gangsters in ‘Operation Hardball’, after India’s intelligence, major action was taken in many countries including America

New Delhi. The action taken against alleged organized crime networks in the US, Canada and Europe under the internationally launched ‘Operation Hardball’ was preceded by prolonged coordination and intelligence exchange between Indian and US investigative agencies. According to media reports, Indian agencies had shared verified information related to several wanted gangsters and their networks with foreign agencies through the Ministry of External Affairs.

India had shared verified information

According to the report, Indian investigative agencies, over the last few years, provided information gathered from investigation of various cases, interrogation of arrested accused and technical surveillance to the US and other allied countries. It also reportedly included inputs related to possible locations of criminals operating abroad and their networks.

According to sources, during the last one and a half month, several rounds of meetings were held between the agencies of the two countries, after which coordinated action was taken at the international level.

Cooperation increased after extradition of Anmol Bishnoi

The report claims that after the extradition of gangster Anmol Bishnoi from America to India, cooperation between the investigating agencies of the two countries improved further. In the same sequence, American officials visited India last year and also held a meeting with officials of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

It is said that during this period, special emphasis was laid on exchange of information in matters related to organized crime, drug smuggling and international gang networks.

Investigation of drug trafficking and organized crime

According to the investigating agencies, in many cases there were indications that some criminals operating abroad were in touch with international networks for drug trafficking and other criminal activities in India. The investigation also revealed the use of technologies like drones, sea routes, encrypted messaging platforms and VPNs, through which attempts were made to hide the activities.

Evidence collected from undercover operation

According to American media reports, preparations for this entire campaign started from the year 2023. US investigative agencies, with the help of undercover officers and confidential informants, monitored networks related to alleged drug trafficking, arms trade and recovery.

According to the report, a confidential informant and an undercover officer spent several months in contact with the suspected network and collected electronic records, financial transactions and other evidence. On the basis of this information, charge sheets were prepared in various cases.

Chargesheet filed in a phased manner

According to media reports, US agencies filed chargesheets sequentially against different criminal networks. After this, under ‘Operation Hardball’, action was taken simultaneously at many places in America, Canada and Europe.

It is being told that the objective of this operation was to take coordinated action against people involved in internationally active organized crime networks, drug smuggling and alleged extortion cases.

investigation still ongoing

According to officials, the investigation into this entire matter is still going on. Law enforcement agencies of different countries are also coordinating among themselves to investigate financial transactions, international contacts and other aspects related to criminal networks. The possibility of further arrests or legal action based on the investigation has not been ruled out in the future.