The programme targets fugitives accused of major financial crimes
An fugitive who is one of the FBI’s ‘Most Wanted Fraudsters’ has been arrested in India.
Manjit Singh Bedi, who is accused of defrauding the US government of at least $600,000 through a SNAP benefits scheme, was arrested on September 4, following a joint effort between the FBI and Indian authorities.
US officials are now working to return him to the United States to face charges.
Bedi’s arrest marks the fifth made through the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters initiative since it was launched in June.
The programme targets fugitives accused of major financial crimes who have fled to other countries to avoid prosecution.
The FBI said the five arrests involve fugitives collectively accused of more than $2 billion in alleged fraud. They had also spent almost 4,000 combined days on the run.
FBI Director Kash Patel said: “Five Most Wanted Fraudsters captured in just three months is a historic success for this initiative.
“The days of taking advantage of American taxpayers without consequence are over.”
Federal investigators allege Bedi operated an Asian grocery store in Tacoma, Washington, where he carried out the SNAP fraud scheme between March 2024 and June 2025.
According to the FBI, Bedi allegedly took SNAP recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer cards and provided cash instead of eligible food purchases. Investigators allege he then kept around half of the benefits for himself.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme) provides food assistance to eligible low-income households in the United States.
Bedi was indicted on wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud charges and was ordered to surrender his passport and remain in Washington state while awaiting court proceedings, according to the FBI.
Investigators allege he breached those conditions by driving across the Canadian border before fleeing to India.
A federal arrest warrant was issued on May 21, 2026, accusing Bedi of violating the conditions of his release.
The FBI had offered a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to Bedi’s arrest and conviction. The bureau said Bedi, a naturalised US citizen, was believed to be living in India before his arrest.
His detention follows a wider push by US authorities to track down alleged fraudsters who have fled overseas.
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division said:
“As this arrest in India shows, the Justice Department’s reach extends to every corner of the planet.
“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.”
