Fri Oct 18 07:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Indian Intelligence Official Charged with Murder-for-Hire in US
**New York, October 12, 2024:** In a major development, US federal prosecutors have charged Vikash Yadav, an Indian citizen and former intelligence official, with “murder-for-hire and money laundering” in connection with an alleged plot to assassinate a pro-Khalistan separatist figure, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in New York City.
Yadav, who served as a senior field officer with India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), is accused of orchestrating the assassination attempt from India. He allegedly directed his co-conspirator, Nikhil Gupta, to hire a hitman. The FBI, DEA, and US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York worked together to disrupt the plot and arrest Gupta, who has since been extradited to the United States.
The indictment alleges that Yadav, using the alias “Amanat,” communicated with Gupta, providing him with Pannun’s personal information, including his address and phone numbers. Yadav is also alleged to have provided Gupta with an advance payment of $15,000 for the hit.
The US government claims that the alleged plot was motivated by Pannun’s outspoken criticism of the Indian government and his advocacy for the creation of an independent Sikh state, Khalistan. Pannun is the leader of a US-based organization advocating for the secession of Punjab from India.
The Indian government has confirmed that Yadav is no longer an employee of the government. However, the US government has vowed to hold Yadav accountable for his alleged actions, regardless of his past position or location.
The case has raised serious concerns about transnational repression and the potential for foreign governments to target individuals on US soil.
“We will hold you accountable, no matter who and where you are,” stated US Attorney Damian Williams, emphasizing the commitment to protect American citizens and their right to free speech.
Yadav, currently at large, faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted.
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