Washington: US authorities have arrested Nitish Kaushal, a fugitive wanted in connection with the FBI’s Operation Hardball investigation, near the US-Canada border in Vermont.
The arrest was carried out by US Border Patrol agents, who confirmed that Kaushal was taken into custody on Thursday. The operation was conducted with assistance from the FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies.
According to US authorities, Kaushal is wanted for his alleged involvement with the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Organised Crime Group, a transnational criminal network that originated in Punjab, India, and is accused of operating in Southern California and other parts of the United States.
Investigators allege that Kaushal carried out violent acts on behalf of the criminal organisation, including kidnappings and assaults.
The FBI had earlier named Kaushal in its Operation Hardball indictments, which target members and associates of the alleged organised crime network.
US officials said the investigation remains ongoing and additional legal proceedings will follow in accordance with federal law.
