The FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters initiative has resulted in its fifth arrest within three months. Authorities in India apprehended Manjit Singh Bedi on Friday. The bureau is now coordinating efforts to have Bedi returned to the United States, as reported by Fox News Digital.
The FBI collaborated with Indian officials to facilitate Bedi’s arrest. Efforts are underway to bring him back to face charges. Bedi’s capture marks the fifth under this initiative, which targets individuals accused of significant financial crimes.
Since its launch in June, the initiative has led to the arrests of five fugitives. Collectively, these individuals are allegedly accountable for over $2 billion in fraud, having evaded capture for nearly 4,000 days combined.
Details of the Case
An undated photo from the FBI shows Manjit Singh Bedi. Investigators claim he defrauded the U.S. government of at least $600,000 through a fraud scheme involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Meanwhile, he was operating an Asian grocery store in Tacoma, Washington.
The FBI states Bedi misused SNAP recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, offering them cash instead of legitimate food purchases while keeping about half of the benefits.
Following his indictment for wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud, Bedi was instructed to surrender his passport and remain in Washington awaiting legal proceedings. However, investigators allege he fled by crossing into Canada before escaping to India. Consequently, a federal warrant for his arrest was issued on May 21, 2026, for violating his release conditions.
Remarks on the Arrest
FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the success of the initiative, noting the capture of five Most Wanted Fraudsters in three months as historic. Patel emphasized that these individuals allegedly caused over $2 billion in fraud.
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald commented on the global reach of the Justice Department. He assured that the Fraud Division will continue collaborating with the FBI to hold such individuals accountable, ensuring they face justice regardless of their hiding place.
The FBI is working to extradite Bedi to the U.S. for trial and conviction. A reward of up to $150,000 was offered for information that would lead to his apprehension and subsequent conviction.