Khalistani Extremist Groups Rely on Sikh Diaspora for Funding, Report Reveals
Khalistani groups pushing for a separate Sikh state often turn to violence, and they get a big boost from supporters abroad. A new report shows how these extremists collect money from the Sikh diaspora by pretending it’s for charity or religious causes. In reality, the cash fuels their violent activities.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s, Canada was a hotspot for fundraising by groups like Babbar Khalsa International and the International Sikh Youth Federation. Those big networks have broken up over time, but small pockets of loyal supporters still exist. As Antrariksh Singh points out in an opinion piece for Khalsa Vox, these sympathizers quietly raise funds through hidden channels that are tough for authorities to spot.
One sneaky tactic? Misusing non-profit organizations (NPOs). These groups ask for donations from the Sikh community in Canada, claiming it’s for good causes like temples or community help. But intelligence reports say the money often flows to Khalistani extremist causes, even crossing borders disguised as normal aid. It’s not the biggest chunk of their budget, but it gives them a legit-looking cover that makes it hard for regulators to step in.
The report also uncovers links between money laundering and terrorist financing. Just like groups such as Hezbollah, Khalistani networks use informal systems like hawala and unregulated money service businesses (MSBs) to move cash quietly. Supporters break deposits into small amounts to dodge reporting rules, then layer the transfers to hide the trail.
Canadian officials suspect trade tricks—things like over-invoicing or faking imports and exports—might play a role too, even if it’s not as well-documented for Khalistanis. And don’t forget cryptocurrency. While it’s more common with groups like Hamas, Khalistani sympathizers in the diaspora are starting to experiment with small digital donations. This could let them skip traditional banks altogether.
Canada’s diverse society and strong ties to places like India make it easy for people to send money home. Most remittances are totally legit and help families, but extremists hide their dirty money in the mix. The funds either support local propaganda efforts or end up in countries where Khalistani activities are still active. As the report notes, these transfers look just like everyday diaspora support—until experts dig into the financial details and spot the red flags.
This ongoing issue highlights the challenges of balancing free support for communities with cracking down on extremism. Authorities continue to watch these networks closely to prevent abuse.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
