NITISH Kaushal, 26, of India, a fugitive on the FBI’s Most Wanted List in connection with the “Operation Hardball” indictments returned in Los Angeles, was captured near the U.S.-Canada border in Alburgh on July 16 by U.S. Border Patrol agents.
Kaushal is accused of being involved in a transnational criminal organization known as the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Organized Crime Group, which originated in the Punjab state of India and operated in southern California and elsewhere. Kaushal is alleged to have carried out acts of violence on behalf of the Bhagwanpuria OCG, including, but not limited to, kidnappings and assaults, the FBI said.
The U.S. Border Patrol said in a press release on Monday that at approximately 2 a.m. on July 16 their agents from the Swanton Sector discovered a disabled and abandoned vehicle blocking Blair Road in Alburgh. The vehicle, registered in New York, was found near the border and raised concerns regarding potential cross-border activity and public safety. Border Patrol agents contacted the Vermont State Police, who responded and arranged for the vehicle to be towed and stored, ensuring the safety of the roadway and local residents.
Later that morning, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Border Patrol agents received a report from a Blair Road resident regarding an individual actively attempting to break into their home. Agents responded immediately, arriving on scene by 7 a.m., where they encountered and detained Kaushal.
A comprehensive records check revealed that Kaushal was the subject of an active Notice to Appear (Alternatives to Detention) from 2022 and had an outstanding FBI warrant issued out of Los Angeles, California, for kidnapping. Kaushal was officially added to the FBI’s Most Wanted List on July 15, 2026. Further investigation uncovered a lengthy criminal history, including charges of murder and criminal conspiracy, as well as a felony conviction for the sale and possession of a high-capacity magazine in Sacramento, California. For that conviction, Kaushal served 60 days in jail and 24 months of probation.
Upon apprehension, Kaushal was found in possession of a small amount of suspected narcotics, which are pending laboratory testing. He was transported to Northwestern Medical Center for treatment of a possible leg injury sustained during the incident. Following medical clearance, the FBI assumed custody of the alien and will continue the investigation and prosecution.
