An Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, also known as “Nick,” has pleaded guilty to charges related to a plot to assassinate a U.S. citizen in New York City. The announcement was made by Jay Clayton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, along with officials from the FBI and DEA.
Gupta entered his plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn and is scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero on May 29, 2026. He faces up to 10 years in prison each for murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and up to 20 years for conspiracy to commit money laundering.
“Nikhil Gupta plotted to assassinate a U.S. citizen in New York City,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “He thought that from outside this country he could kill someone in it without consequence, simply for exercising their American right to free speech. But he was wrong, and he will face justice. Our message to all nefarious foreign actors should be clear: steer clear of the United States and our people.”
According to authorities, Gupta worked with others including Vikash Yadav—identified as an Indian government employee—to plan the assassination of an attorney and political activist who is a vocal critic of the Indian government and advocates for Punjab’s secession from India.
“Nikhil Gupta was a key participant in a murder-for-hire plot against a U.S. citizen, a murder that was prevented thanks to the actions of U.S. law enforcement,” said FBI Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky. “The U.S. citizen became a target of transnational repression solely for exercising their freedom of speech. The message from the FBI should be clear—no matter where you are located if you try to harm our citizens we will not stop until you are brought to justice.”
Authorities allege that Yadav recruited Gupta in May 2023 to arrange the killing in New York City using contacts whom Gupta believed were criminal associates but were actually working with law enforcement agencies such as the DEA.
“It is often a slippery and dangerous slope from drug trafficking to deadly violence, as demonstrated by the murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by international narcotics and weapons trafficker Nikhil Gupta,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “This case is a stark reminder of the ruthless lengths criminals will go to in order to further their illegal enterprises… Let there be no doubt: DEA remains steadfast in its mission to protect America.”
Yadav allegedly provided personal information about the intended victim—including address details—which was then relayed by Gupta during preparations for carrying out surveillance.
“At the direction and coordination of an Indian government employee, Nikhil Gupta plotted to assassinate a United States citizen on American soil, facilitating a foreign adversary’s unlawful effort to silence a vocal critic of the Indian government,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr.. “The FBI will continue to aggressively defend the homeland against any foreign adversaries who target our citizens for exercising their constitutionally protected rights.”
In June 2023, masked gunmen killed Hardeep Singh Nijjar—a Sikh separatist leader—in Canada; soon after this event, conversations between Gupta and undercover agents suggested additional targets were being considered.
Gupta was arrested on June 30, 2023 in Czech Republic before being extradited back into U.S custody with assistance from multiple international law enforcement agencies.
Prosecutors emphasized that sentencing decisions remain at judicial discretion despite statutory maximums set by Congress.
Jay Clayton praised investigative efforts by various federal task forces as well as cooperation with Czech authorities which led ultimately led to Gupta’s extradition.
