A Sri Lankan national, Prasanna Nallalingam, believed to be the leader of the notorious criminal gang known as the 'Ava Group' (AAVA), has been arrested in Toronto, Canada. The 32-year-old, also known by the alias Ajanthan Subramaniyam, is now facing extradition to France to stand trial for murder and attempted murder charges.
Nallalingam's arrest stems from a violent attack in September 2022 in La Courneuve, a northern suburb of Paris, where he is accused of orchestrating the killing of Abiraman Balakirishnan and the attempted murder of another individual.
The attack is believed to have been part of an ongoing turf war between AAVA and a rival gang, the LC Boys, which has spanned several years and is centered around control of La Courneuve.
AAVA, a criminal gang with roots in Northern Sri Lanka, has been involved in various illegal activities, including violence and extortion. The group has gained international attention due to its expansion into Europe, particularly in France, where it is engaged in violent confrontations with rival factions.
The extradition process for Nallalingam is now underway, with Canadian authorities working closely with French officials. If extradited, Nallalingam will face trial in France, where he is expected to answer charges related to the deadly conflict.
