In recent years, the Khalistan movement—a separatist agenda advocating for a Sikh homeland—has taken on a troubling new dimension. It appears that the movement’s banner is increasingly being exploited by a nexus of criminals and money launderers operating under the guise of activism and free speech. Recent incidents in Italy underscore this alarming shift, revealing a disturbing pattern of illicit activity tied to Khalistani sympathizers and organizations.
A Disturbing Web of Criminality
Take the case of Devender Singh, an Italian citizen of Indian origin and a prominent member of Gurdwara Sachkhand Isher Darbar in Brescia, Italy. Singh, who is also an activist with the controversial pro-Khalistan organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), was arrested by Italian Financial Police in October 2021 for dubious financial transactions. Authorities confiscated €3.5 lakh in cash from him, a significant portion of which—€1.5 lakh—is suspected to have been funneled into the SFJ’s so-called “referendum” activities in 2022.
Singh’s criminal connections don’t stop there. He is linked to Gurmail Singh Multani, the president of the same gurdwara and another SFJ activist, as well as Avtar Singh Pannu, a senior SFJ figure. The trail thickens with the detention of Bikramjit Singh, another Khalistan sympathizer who was caught in May 2024 with €1.6 lakh in cash. Bikramjit Singh claimed he was working on behalf of Devender Singh, further cementing the ties between financial crime and Khalistani activism.
The web stretches into even darker territory with the involvement of Sanjeev Kumar, another associate of Devender Singh, who was arrested in December 2023 for the murder of an Indian national, Ranjit Singh. These interlinked cases expose a stark reality: the Khalistan banner is no longer merely a political symbol—it is being co-opted as a shield for a host of illicit activities, from hawala operations to violent crimes.
Exploiting Ideological Cover
The Khalistan movement, which has historically drawn sympathy from sections of the Sikh diaspora, provides a convenient ideological cover for criminal activity. Under this guise, individuals and organizations are able to mobilize funds, evade scrutiny, and gain political asylum or leniency in foreign countries. By aligning their illegal endeavors with a perceived “cause,” these actors manipulate the goodwill of Sikh communities and international sympathizers who may be unaware of their true motives.
The Price of Misplaced Sympathy
For genuine supporters of Sikh rights and identity, this nexus is deeply damaging. It undermines the legitimacy of legitimate concerns about Sikh representation and dilutes the narrative of those advocating peacefully for their cultural or political aspirations. Moreover, it tarnishes the reputation of gurdwaras, which have historically served as centers of community and spirituality but are now being implicated in schemes far removed from their sacred purpose.
The Way Forward
The rise of this criminal nexus requires urgent attention from international law enforcement and Sikh communities worldwide. Governments must take a zero-tolerance approach to the misuse of ideological movements for illegal purposes, treating financial crimes and violent acts with the seriousness they deserve. Simultaneously, Sikh leaders and diaspora organizations should work to distance themselves from individuals and groups that exploit the Khalistan cause for nefarious ends. Transparency, vigilance, and a commitment to lawfulness are essential to reclaiming the moral high ground.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Khalsa Vox or its members.
