Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Jul 17: The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested alleged Indian gangster Nitish Kaushal in Vermont, days after placing him on its most wanted list as part of a crackdown on a transnational organised crime network.

"Nitish Kaushal has been arrested in Vermont," the FBI said in a post on X on Thursday.

According to the FBI, Kaushal, an Indian national, is accused of committing violent crimes on behalf of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria organised crime group, including kidnappings and assaults.

The agency had added Kaushal to its most wanted list on Tuesday, alleging his involvement with a transnational criminal organisation linked to offences including murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, weapons trafficking, money laundering and human smuggling.

The FBI said the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Organised Crime Group originated in Punjab and expanded its operations to California's Central District and other locations in the United States.

A federal arrest warrant against Kaushal was issued by the US District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles on June 25 after he was charged with conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

The arrest comes as part of Operation Hard Ball, a coordinated international law enforcement operation involving raids and enforcement actions across the United States, Canada and Europe. Authorities said the operation aims to dismantle transnational organised crime syndicates with roots in India.