The FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters initiative has recorded its fifth arrest in three months, after authorities in India took Manjit Singh Bedi into custody on Friday. The bureau is now working to bring Bedi, who is accused in a SNAP benefits fraud case, back to the United States, News Media has learned.
According to the FBI, agents coordinated with Indian authorities to secure Bedi’s arrest and are actively pursuing his return to the U.S., where he is expected to face charges. His capture is the latest under the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters program, a campaign focused on fugitives wanted in connection with significant financial fraud allegations.
Since its launch in June, the initiative has resulted in the arrests of five fugitives. Together, the individuals are accused by the FBI of involvement in alleged fraud schemes totaling more than $2 billion, after collectively spending nearly 4,000 days as fugitives.
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An undated FBI photo shows Manjit Singh Bedi, who investigators allege defrauded the U.S. government of at least $600,000 through a SNAP benefits fraud scheme before fleeing to India. (FBI)
FBI officials say the latest arrest underscores the bureau’s effort to pursue alleged fraudsters who fled overseas in an attempt to evade prosecution.
“Five Most Wanted Fraudsters captured in just three months is a historic success for this initiative,” FBI Director Kash Patel told News Media.
Patel said the five suspects are allegedly responsible for more than $2 billion in fraud and spent nearly 4,000 combined days on the run before their arrests.
“The days of taking advantage of American taxpayers without consequence are over,” Patel said.
Federal investigators allege Bedi defrauded the U.S. government out of at least $600,000 through a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud scheme between March 2024 and June 2025, while operating an Asian grocery store in Tacoma, Washington.
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The FBI had offered a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to Bedi’s arrest and conviction. (Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images, File)
According to the FBI, Bedi allegedly swiped SNAP recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, gave them cash instead of eligible food purchases and kept roughly half of the benefits for himself.
After being indicted on wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud charges, Bedi was ordered to surrender his passport and remain in Washington state while awaiting court proceedings, according to the FBI.
Investigators allege he instead drove across the Canadian border before fleeing to India. A federal arrest warrant charging him with violating the conditions of his release was issued on May 21, 2026.
The FBI had offered a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to Bedi’s arrest and conviction. The bureau said the naturalized U.S. citizen was believed to be living in India before his arrest.
Manjit Singh Bedi is seen in an undated FBI photo. Authorities arrested Bedi in India on Friday after alleging he fled the United States while facing wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud charges. (FBI)
“As this arrest in India shows, the Justice Department’s reach extends to every corner of the planet,” Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division told News Media.
“The Fraud Division will continue to work hand-in-hand with the FBI to ensure fraudsters like Bedi are held accountable, no matter where they hide.”
The FBI said it is working to return Bedi to the U.S. to face the pending charges.