Indian-born American citizen Manjit Singh Bedi, on the FBI’s most wanted fraudsters list for running a scam linked to the U.S. government’s food benefits program, was arrested by the Punjab Police, DGP Gaurav Yadav said Friday. Bedi, who carried a bounty of US $150,000, was caught in Jalandhar, Yadav added.
“Bedi was reportedly placed on the US’ ‘Most Wanted Fraudsters’ list in connection with a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits fraud case in the US, and allegedly fled to India via Canada in April 2026 to evade the law,” the DGP said.
As per the details on the official website of FBI, Bedi is a naturalized United States citizen and was allegedly involved in a benefits fraud scheme that defrauded the United States government of at least $600,000 between March 2024 and June 2025.
Bedi, as per officials, operated a small grocery store in Tacoma, Washington, called Asian Grocery Store. He purportedly sold food to participants of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program through their Electronic Benefit Transfer cards. However, instead of selling food, he allegedly swiped their cards, gave cash and kept half of the proceeds.
After being indicted for wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud, he was allowed to appear in court without being arrested. He was then ordered to hand over his passport and remain in Washington. However, Bedi allegedly snug across the border to Canada and subsequently fled to India.
On May 21, 2026, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Bedi in a U.S. district court after he allegedly violated the conditions of his court supervision, including the requirement that he remain in Washington.