PTC Web Desk: The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested alleged gangster Nitish Kaushal in Vermont as part of an ongoing operation targeting international organised crime networks with links to India. Kaushal is believed to be associated with jailed Punjab-based gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria.

The arrest comes under the FBI's Operation Hard Wall, a campaign focused on dismantling criminal organisations allegedly involved in violent offences and cross-border illegal activities. Notably, Nitish Kaushal had been added to the FBI's Most Wanted list just two days before he was taken into custody.

The FBI has not yet disclosed additional details about the arrest or the specific circumstances that led to Kaushal being located in Vermont.

Also Read | NEET-UG 2026: Punjab's Aryan Gupta shines with AIR 1; Rajasthan Maharashtra lead among top 100

Also Read | Viral: Diljit Dosanjh opens his travel bag for Vogue, shows Gutka Sahib, fan-gifted rudraksha mala and Rs 3.45 lakh designer duffe

FBI lists serious allegations against Kaushal

Before his arrest, the FBI had identified Nitish Kaushal as a wanted suspect for his alleged role in a transnational criminal organisation that reportedly originated in Punjab, India and later expanded its operations to the United States, including California.

According to the agency, the organisation is accused of involvement in several serious crimes, including murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, illegal weapons trafficking, money laundering and human smuggling.

In a statement shared on social media, the FBI alleged that Kaushal was linked to the criminal network and was wanted for his alleged participation in its activities.

RICO conspiracy charge

Investigators claim Kaushal was an active member of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Organised Crime Group (OCG) and allegedly took part in violent acts, including kidnappings and assaults, on behalf of the syndicate.

Court records cited by the FBI show that the US District Court for the Central District of California issued a federal arrest warrant against Kaushal on June 25. He has been charged with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Conspiracy, a law commonly used in the United States to prosecute members of organised criminal enterprises.

Investigation continues

The FBI has not announced when Kaushal will appear in court or whether additional arrests are expected in the case. Officials also have not released further details about the ongoing investigation.

The arrest is part of the agency's broader effort to dismantle transnational organised crime groups operating across multiple countries and involved in a wide range of criminal activities.