The FBI arrested Nitish Kaushal, an alleged Punjab gang member known as “Lala,” close to the Canadian border in Vermont. Kaushal, wanted by the FBI, faces charges related to a transnational crime syndicate from Punjab involved in various criminal activities. He was indicted for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy by a federal grand jury in Los Angeles.
Kaushal was apprehended after abandoning a vehicle near the Canadian border and attempting to conceal his identity with a fake New Jersey driver’s license. Prosecutors claim he is part of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Organised Crime Group, operating globally with ties to India, the US, Canada, the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The gang is accused of crimes including murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, firearms trafficking, money laundering, and human smuggling.
The federal indictment against Kaushal details his involvement in violent acts on behalf of the criminal organization. One notable incident involved Kaushal and others restraining and assaulting a victim over a drug shipment theft allegation. The gang is also accused of managing large-scale drug trafficking routes across the US and engaging in violence against rivals and suspected drug thieves.
Prosecutors argue that Kaushal poses a danger to the community and is a flight risk, citing his criminal history and attempts to evade law enforcement. They emphasize that his arrest near the Canadian border underscores his potential to flee the US. The court is urged to keep Kaushal in custody pending trial due to the severity of the charges and the risk he poses.
