Authorities in India have arrested Manjit Singh Bedi, the fifth fugitive captured under the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters initiative. U.S. investigators allege that Bedi defrauded the government of at least $600,000 through a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program scheme at a Tacoma, Washington, grocery store. The FBI is working with Indian authorities to return him to the United States to face federal charges. The arrest follows an international search after investigators alleged that Bedi violated release conditions and fled the country.
| 1) | Arrest in India marks the initiative’s fifth capture |
|---|---|
| 2) | Alleged SNAP scheme targeted benefits at a Tacoma store |
| 3) | Investigators say Bedi fled after release restrictions |
| 4) | International cooperation supports the return process |
| 5) | FBI says fraud initiative has pursued major alleged losses |
Arrest in India marks the initiative’s fifth capture
Indian authorities arrested Manjit Singh Bedi on Friday after cooperation with the FBI. The arrest is the fifth announced under the Most Wanted Fraudsters initiative, which was launched in June to identify and pursue fugitives accused of serious financial crimes. The FBI said it is now working to return Bedi to the United States, where he faces pending federal charges.
The case illustrates how investigators are pursuing suspects beyond U.S. borders. Bedi, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was believed to be living in India before his arrest. The timing of the arrest came after a federal warrant was issued in May 2026 alleging that he violated the conditions of his release.
Alleged SNAP scheme targeted benefits at a Tacoma store
Federal investigators allege that Bedi operated an Asian grocery store in Tacoma, Washington, where he misused SNAP benefits between March 2024 and June 2025. According to the allegations, he took recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer cards and provided cash instead of eligible food purchases.
Investigators further allege that Bedi retained about half of the benefits involved in the transactions. The alleged conduct formed the basis of wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud charges. The government estimates that the scheme caused at least $600,000 in losses.
Investigators say Bedi fled after release restrictions
After his indictment, Bedi was ordered to surrender his passport and remain in Washington state while awaiting court proceedings. Investigators allege that he did not comply with those conditions. Instead, they say he drove across the Canadian border and later fled to India.
A federal arrest warrant charging Bedi with violating his release conditions was issued on May 21, 2026. The FBI offered a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction. His arrest in India followed the international effort to locate him.
International cooperation supports the return process
The FBI said it coordinated with Indian authorities to secure Bedi’s arrest. The bureau is continuing to work through the process of bringing him back to the United States, where the pending charges will be addressed in federal court.
“As this arrest in India shows, the Justice Department’s reach extends to every corner of the planet,” Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald said.
Colin M. McDonald, of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, said the Fraud Division would continue working with the FBI to hold alleged fraudsters accountable regardless of where they hide. The agencies did not announce a date for Bedi’s return.
FBI says fraud initiative has pursued major alleged losses
The FBI said the five people arrested through the initiative are collectively accused of more than $2 billion in alleged fraud. The suspects reportedly spent nearly 4,000 combined days as fugitives before their arrests. The figures reflect allegations and remain subject to court proceedings.
“Five Most Wanted Fraudsters captured in just three months is a historic success for this initiative,” FBI Director Kash Patel said.
Kash Patel said the arrests demonstrated an effort to pursue alleged financial criminals who sought to evade prosecution. The initiative’s stated focus is on publicizing fugitives and coordinating investigations aimed at securing their arrests.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Manjit Singh Bedi was arrested in India after an international investigation. |
| 2 | The alleged SNAP fraud involved at least $600,000 in losses. |
| 3 | Investigators allege Bedi fled after being ordered to remain in Washington state. |
| 4 | The FBI is working to return Bedi to the United States for prosecution. |
Summary
The arrest of Manjit Singh Bedi in India adds a fifth capture to the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters initiative. The case centers on allegations that Bedi converted SNAP benefits into cash and kept a portion of the proceeds at a Tacoma grocery store. U.S. authorities are pursuing his return while emphasizing that international cooperation remains central to investigating alleged fraud fugitives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Manjit Singh Bedi?
Manjit Singh Bedi is a naturalized U.S. citizen accused by federal investigators of wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud connected to a Tacoma grocery store.
What is Bedi accused of doing?
Investigators allege that he used SNAP recipients’ EBT cards to provide cash instead of eligible food purchases and kept roughly half of the benefits.
What happens next?
The FBI said it is working with Indian authorities to return Bedi to the United States, where he is expected to face the pending federal charges.
