Indian authorities have arrested Manjit Singh Bedi, an India-born US citizen wanted by the FBI in an alleged $600,000 food benefits fraud case.
Bedi became the fifth fugitive captured through the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters initiative. US authorities accuse him of defrauding the US government through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP.
FBI Accuses Bedi of SNAP Fraud
According to the FBI, Bedi ran the Asian Grocery Store in Tacoma, Washington.
The store accepted SNAP benefits through customers’ Electronic Benefit Transfer cards.
However, investigators allege that Bedi used a different scheme. Instead of giving customers food, he allegedly took their benefit cards and gave them cash.
The FBI says Bedi then kept part of the money for himself.
Investigators estimate that the alleged scheme caused at least $600,000 in losses between March 2024 and June 2025.
Bedi Allegedly Fled to India
US authorities charged Bedi with wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud.
Initially, Bedi remained outside custody while he attended court proceedings. The court ordered him to surrender his passport and stay in Washington state.
However, the FBI says he later drove into Canada. From there, he traveled to India.
US authorities then issued a federal arrest warrant on May 21, 2026.
The warrant followed allegations that Bedi violated the conditions of his court supervision.
India Arrests FBI Fugitive
Indian authorities arrested Bedi in Jalandhar, Punjab.
The FBI worked with Indian law-enforcement agencies to locate him. The bureau now wants to bring him back to the United States to face the charges.
Before his arrest, the FBI had offered a reward of up to $150,000 for information that could lead to his arrest and conviction.
The bureau also believed that Bedi was living in India.
Fifth Arrest Under FBI Fraud Initiative
Bedi’s arrest marks the fifth capture under the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters initiative.
The FBI launched the initiative to track fugitives accused of major financial crimes.
Since its launch, the program has helped authorities locate several suspects who allegedly fled the United States.
FBI Director Kash Patel called the five arrests a major success for the program.
The bureau says it will continue working with international partners to track fraud suspects who leave the country.
US Seeks Bedi’s Return
US authorities are now working with Indian officials on Bedi’s return.
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald said the Justice Department would continue working with the FBI to pursue fraud suspects overseas.
Meanwhile, the FBI says Bedi must return to the United States to face the charges against him.
The allegations against Bedi remain accusations. A court will determine whether he is guilty.
