The FBI has recently expanded its Most Wanted Fraudsters list, a program designed to identify individuals accused of major financial crimes and seek public assistance in their apprehension. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on September 3 that three new names, Manjit Singh Bedi, Onur Simsek, and Bernhard Eugen Fritsch, have been added to the list. Each is wanted for separate alleged fraud activities.
Recent Arrests and Efforts
This initiative coincides with the FBI’s increased focus on large-scale fraud cases. Patel highlighted that the bureau had already captured four individuals responsible for nearly $2 billion in fraud, returning them to the United States to face charges after collectively evading capture for approximately 9½ years.
Profiles of New Additions
Manjit Singh Bedi
Bedi is accused of defrauding the U.S. government of over $600,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds between 2024 and 2025. This alleged fraud was conducted through a grocery store in Tacoma, Washington, where Bedi allegedly processed fraudulent Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) transactions. Fleeing to India, Bedi was charged with wire fraud and managed to avoid capture for nearly a year.
Deputy Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald stated, “As this arrest in India shows, the Justice Department’s reach extends to every corner of the planet.”
Bernhard Eugen Fritsch
Fritsch is wanted for an alleged investment fraud scheme through his company, StarClub Inc. He is accused of raising $35 million by misrepresenting the company’s performance between 2014 and 2017, misappropriating at least $7.3 million for personal expenses. Convicted of wire fraud in California, he fled to Mexico and later Germany. He was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison and ordered to pay $26.8 million in restitution.
Onur Simsek
Simsek, presumably residing in Turkey, is implicated in fraudulently obtaining Department of Defense contracts for military components from 2019 to 2022. He is accused of using a front company to misrepresent capabilities, transferring funds to Turkey. Simsek has eluded capture since 2023 and faces multiple charges, including conspiracy and money laundering.
The FBI’s Newest Initiative
The Most Wanted Fraudsters list was inaugurated on June 4, 2026. It focuses on individuals whose fraudulent activities have severely impacted victims, businesses, and governmental programs. In a recent statement, Patel emphasized the initiative’s role in targeting severe fraud offenders.
The FBI currently maintains three Most Wanted lists:
- Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, established in 1950
- Most Wanted Terrorists, created after September 11, 2001
- Most Wanted Fraudsters, introduced in 2026
Conclusion
The FBI’s latest fraud-centered list underscores its dedication to tracking major financial criminals while alerting the public to significant fraud schemes. The bureau’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list now features 12 individuals, with authorities continuing to seek public assistance for their capture.