The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has placed Indian-origin Manjit Singh Bedi on its most-wanted list over allegations that he defrauded the US government through a scheme involving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (SNAP) benefits.
Bedi, a naturalised US citizen, allegedly ran the Asian Grocery Store in Tacoma, Washington, where he is accused of misusing customers’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
Alleged Cash-For-Benefits Scheme
According to the FBI, SNAP recipients used their EBT cards at Bedi’s store to buy groceries. However, investigators allege that Bedi instead converted the benefits into cash for customers and kept a portion of the money for himself.
The alleged scheme operated from March 2024 to June 2025. During this period, Bedi allegedly caused losses of at least USD 6 lakh to the US government, according to the FBI.
The #FBI has added Manjit Singh Bedi to its Most Wanted Fraudsters List. He is #wanted for his alleged involvement in a benefits fraud scheme that defrauded the United States Government out of at least $600,000 between March of 2024 and June of 2025 in Tacoma, Washington. A… pic.twitter.com/oGJNdkz9E8
— FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) September 3, 2026
Bedi Allegedly Fled US After Court Proceedings
Bedi was indicted on charges including wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud. Instead of being taken into custody at the time, he was allowed to remain free while appearing before the court.
As part of his release conditions, Bedi was required to surrender his passport and remain within Washington state.
The FBI alleges that he later violated those conditions by travelling by road into Canada before making his way to India.
US Court Issues Arrest Warrant
Following the alleged breach of his release conditions, a federal arrest warrant was issued against Bedi on May 21 by a US district court. He was charged with violating the conditions imposed on his release.
The FBI has now appealed to the public for information that could help authorities locate and arrest Bedi.
“A reward of up to USD 150,000 is offered for information leading to his arrest and conviction,” the FBI said.