The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Thursday announced the arrest of Nitish Kaushal, an alleged associate of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Organised Crime Group (OCG), in the US state of Vermont. Kaushal, who was wanted by the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, was apprehended with assistance from the US Border Patrol.

The arrest comes amid an intensified crackdown by US authorities on transnational organised crime networks linked to India. According to the FBI, Kaushal was wanted in connection with a federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy case.

Arrest in Vermont

In a post on X, FBI Albany credited the US Border Patrol for assisting in the operation that led to Kaushal’s arrest.

“Thanks to the outstanding work our @USBPChiefSWB partners are doing to ensure the safety and security of our Northern Border, this dangerous fugitive from @FBILosAngeles was captured early this morning in Vermont,” FBI Albany said.

The agency added that it remained committed to working alongside law enforcement partners “to protect our borders and keep our communities safe from dangerous criminals”.

Allegations Against Kaushal

According to the FBI’s wanted notice, Kaushal, also known by the alias “Lala”, is accused of being associated with the Bhagwanpuria Organised Crime Group, which the agency described as a transnational criminal organisation involved in offences including murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, weapons trafficking, money laundering and human smuggling.

The FBI said the organisation originated in Punjab and has operated in California’s Central District and other locations in the United States.

Investigators further alleged that Kaushal carried out violent acts on behalf of the syndicate, including kidnappings and assaults.

A federal arrest warrant was issued against Kaushal on June 25, 2026, by the US District Court for the Central District of California after he was charged with RICO conspiracy.

The FBI had also warned that Kaushal should be considered armed, dangerous and a potential escape risk.

Part of Wider International Crackdown

The arrest follows the FBI’s recent decision to place an alleged operative linked to the India-based criminal syndicate on its most wanted list.

It also comes after the launch of “Operation Hard Ball”, a multinational law enforcement initiative aimed at dismantling the Bhagwanpuria crime syndicate’s international network.

The operation involved coordinated raids and enforcement actions across the United States, Canada and Europe, highlighting growing international cooperation to combat transnational organised crime networks with roots in India.

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