Washington, July 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

A US federal indictment has alleged that the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Organised Crime Group recruited vulnerable young people from India by luring them with promises of money, power and opportunities to migrate to countries such as the United States and Canada, while allegedly paying some recruits as little as ₹20,000 to carry out contract killings.

The allegations form part of a 44-page indictment filed in the US District Court for the Central District of California, which details what prosecutors describe as the functioning and global expansion of the India-based transnational organised crime syndicate.

The indictment names 15 accused, including alleged gang leader Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Nitish Kaushal, who was recently arrested by the FBI in Vermont after being placed on its Most Wanted list.

Alleged Recruitment of Vulnerable Youth

According to US prosecutors, the syndicate primarily targeted economically vulnerable and disadvantaged youth in India, particularly minors, believing they would face relatively lighter legal consequences if apprehended for violent crimes.

The indictment alleges that recruits were enticed with promises of wealth, social status, influence and the prospect of settling abroad, particularly in the United States and Canada.

Investigators further allege that in some cases, individuals were paid as little as ₹20,000 (approximately US$200) to commit murders on behalf of the criminal organisation.

The court filing also claims that recruiters identified individuals who could qualify for student or work visas and allegedly used overseas migration as an incentive to reward loyal members of the syndicate.

From Punjab to a Global Crime Network

According to the indictment, the organisation originated in Punjab under the leadership of Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, who allegedly established an independent criminal network after separating from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

US prosecutors claim the syndicate subsequently expanded into a multinational organisation with members operating in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

The indictment alleges that the group eventually built a network of more than 1,000 members and associates worldwide, including more than 100 members in the United States.

Wide Range of Criminal Activities Alleged

The indictment accuses members of the organisation of involvement in a wide spectrum of criminal activities, including murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, firearms trafficking, money laundering and human smuggling.

According to prosecutors, the syndicate also accepted murder-for-hire contracts, operated narcotics trafficking routes across North America and coordinated criminal operations using encrypted communication platforms.

Investigators allege that criminal proceeds generated overseas were routed back to the organisation’s leadership in India.

Threats to Members and Families

US authorities further allege that members found it extremely difficult to leave the organisation.

The indictment claims that individuals suspected of disloyalty or cooperation with law enforcement faced threats of violence against themselves or their family members, particularly relatives residing in India.

According to prosecutors, the syndicate allegedly used violence not only against rival groups but also to enforce discipline within its own ranks.

Allegations of Corrupt Police Links

The indictment also alleges that members of the crime syndicate worked with corrupt law enforcement officials in Punjab by supplying false information against rivals, leading to allegedly fabricated criminal cases that were later used to extort money.

The US prosecutors have made these allegations in the indictment. The claims have not been tested in court, and the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.