FBI Returns Fugitive Accused of $600,000 SNAP Fraud from India

A fugitive accused of stealing over $600,000 in federal food stamp benefits has been returned to the United States after being arrested in India last month, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. Manjit Singh Bedi, listed among the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters, was wanted on federal charges related to an alleged Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud scheme at a grocery store in Tacoma, Washington. Patel announced Bedi's return on social media, stating, "BACK IN THE US – Manjit Singh Bedi, one of the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters, arrested in September in India." He emphasized the FBI's recent successes in repatriating fugitives, noting, "This is the latest in an unprecedented stretch of success in bringing high-value targets back to the United States through strong partnerships with our foreign law enforcement counterparts." Over the past 20 months, the FBI has secured 260 extraditions and removals, a 70% increase compared to the previous 20-month period. Federal officials allege that Bedi defrauded the US government of at least $600,000 through a SNAP fraud scheme between March 2024 and June 2025 while operating an Asian grocery store in Tacoma. The FBI claims Bedi swiped SNAP recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, provided cash instead of eligible food purchases, and kept approximately half of the benefits for himself. After being indicted, Bedi allegedly fled to Canada before traveling to India. A federal arrest warrant for violating the conditions of his release was issued on May 21, 2026. Patel noted that Bedi is one of six fugitives captured through the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters program since its inception three months ago. Bedi, a naturalized US citizen, was previously the subject of an FBI reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction. Patel stated that Bedi will now face justice in the United States for his alleged crimes and thanked partners for their assistance in the case.