ST. ALBANS, Vt. (Diya TV) — Indian national Nitish Kaushal, who the Federal Bureau of Investigation recently added to its most-wanted list, is now in federal custody after authorities arrested him in Vermont. Investigators accuse Kaushal of working with the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Organized Crime Group, a transnational criminal network that U.S. officials say operates across several countries and engages in violent crimes.
The FBI announced the arrest on July 17 in a post on X, confirming that Kaushal had been taken into custody. The arrest came only days after the agency publicly identified him as one of its most-wanted fugitives. Authorities say the case marks another step in an international effort to dismantle organized crime networks with roots in Punjab.
Kaushal, 26, also uses the alias “Lala,” according to federal investigators. U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents from the Swanton Sector arrested him early Thursday in Vermont. Soon afterward, the FBI’s Albany Field Office thanked Border Patrol personnel for helping carry out the operation.
Federal investigators allege that Kaushal worked for the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Organized Crime Group. The FBI says the organization originated in Punjab, India, and later expanded its activities into the United States and other countries. Officials also allege that the network has operated in California’s Central District while building connections across North America and beyond.
According to the FBI, the criminal organization has engaged in murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, firearms trafficking, money laundering, and human smuggling. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice says the group maintains members and associates in India, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Prosecutors also claim the network has supported narcotics and firearms trafficking in Southern California.
Authorities accuse Kaushal of taking part in kidnappings and violent assaults on behalf of the organization. As a result, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California issued a federal arrest warrant on June 25. Prosecutors charged him with conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, commonly known as the RICO Act.
Earlier this week, the FBI added Kaushal to its most-wanted list as investigators continued their probe into the alleged criminal enterprise. The agency has not yet released additional details about where it located Kaushal before the arrest or when he may appear in court.
Meanwhile, Kaushal’s arrest comes during Operation Hard Ball, a large international law enforcement effort that targets the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria organization and other India-linked transnational crime groups. The operation brings together agencies from the United States, Canada, and several European countries. Officials say the coordinated effort aims to disrupt organized crime networks that operate across international borders.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed three indictments that charged 37 people with racketeering, drug trafficking, extortion, firearms offenses and targeted killings tied to Indian organized crime syndicates. Since then, authorities have announced more than two dozen arrests in multiple countries. Investigators continue to pursue several additional suspects connected to the case.
Among those named in the indictments is alleged gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi. U.S. prosecutors claim he directed criminal operations while serving time in a prison in Gujarat, India. They also named his alleged associate, Goldy Brar, whose legal name is Satinderjeet Singh Brar. Federal authorities say Brar remains at large.
Furthermore, the FBI continues to seek public assistance in locating Brar. The bureau has offered a reward of up to $50,000 for information that leads to his arrest. Officials believe he remains an important figure in the ongoing investigation into the criminal network.
