In its latest crackdown against transnational crime syndicates in the US, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has added gangster Nitish Kaushal to its most wanted list for his alleged involvement in murder, drug and arms trafficking, extortion, money laundering and human smuggling.
“Nitesh Kaushal is wanted by the FBI for his alleged involvement in a transnational criminal organization involved in, among other things, acts including murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, arms smuggling, money laundering and human smuggling,” the FBI said in a post on the X website.
Who is Nitish Kaushal?
Kaushal, a man of Indian origin, is known to be a member of the Jaju Bhagwanpuria organized crime group. He allegedly committed multiple crimes of the group, including kidnappings and assaults, and is being sought in connection with those crimes.
According to the FBI, the organization originated in Punjab and operated in the central region of California and elsewhere. Federal officials alleged that Kaushal personally carried out high-risk violent operations for the gang, including kidnappings and assaults.
The US District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles issued a federal arrest warrant for Kaushal on June 25 after he was charged with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, the FBI said, PTI reported.
Hard ball process
The FBI’s action is part of “Operation Hardball,” a coordinated international campaign that includes raids and law enforcement operations across the United States, Canada and Europe, aimed at dismantling transnational organized crime syndicates with roots in India.
Earlier this month, law enforcement agencies in the United States, Canada, and Europe arrested a total of 24 people — 13 in the United States, three in Canada, and one in Spain — linked to three transnational organized crime groups based in India: the Bishnoi, Bhagwanpuria, and Danda gangs, according to the FBI. In the United States, 11 people were arrested in California, one in Indiana, and one in Georgia.
A A manhunt was also launched for Bishnoi’s aide Guli BrarWho was accused of ordering the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nagar. Carpenter was shot and killed outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, on June 18, 2023.
The FBI is also offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Brar’s arrest.
“The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest of Satyinderjit Singh, who is wanted for his alleged involvement in the Lawrence Bishnoi Organized Crime Group, which is allegedly involved in a variety of acts of violence in Southern California, and throughout the United States and Canada,” the federal agency said in a statement.
