FBI Arrests Indian Gangster Nitish Kaushal in Vermont on Racketeering Charges

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested Nitish Kaushal, an Indian national wanted for alleged involvement in murder, kidnapping, and drug trafficking, in the U.S. state of Vermont. The arrest came days after he was placed on the FBI’s list of most wanted criminals.

“Nitish Kaushal has been arrested in Vermont,” the FBI confirmed in a post on X on Thursday (July 16, 2026). Kaushal is accused of carrying out violent acts on behalf of the Bhagwanpuria organised crime group, including kidnappings and assaults, according to the FBI.

The FBI added Kaushal to its most wanted list on Tuesday (July 14) after he was charged with racketeer influenced and corrupt organisations (RICO) conspiracy. The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles issued a federal arrest warrant on June 25, 2026, following the charges.

The arrest was part of Operation Hard Ball, a coordinated international law enforcement operation targeting the Bhagwanpuria gang. The operation involved raids and enforcement actions across the United States, Canada, and Europe, underscoring a growing global effort to dismantle transnational criminal syndicates with roots in India.

The FBI described the Bhagwanpuria Organised Crime Group, also known as the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria group, as a transnational criminal organisation originating in the Punjab state of India. The group operates in the Central District of California and elsewhere, engaging in murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, weapons trafficking, money laundering, and human smuggling, the agency said.

Kaushal’s arrest marks a significant step in international cooperation against organised crime. The FBI continues to investigate the group’s activities, and further legal proceedings are expected in the Central District of California.