FBI Captures Fifth Most Wanted Fraudster in India After Three-Month Global Manhunt

Clear Facts

• FBI arrested Manjit Singh Bedi in India, marking the fifth capture under the Most Wanted Fraudsters initiative in just three months
• Bedi allegedly defrauded the U.S. government of at least $600,000 through a SNAP benefits fraud scheme at his Tacoma, Washington grocery store
• The five captured fugitives are collectively accused of more than $2 billion in fraud after spending nearly 4,000 combined days on the run

The FBI has scored another major victory in its crusade against financial criminals who flee American justice. Authorities in India arrested Manjit Singh Bedi on Friday, the fifth fugitive captured under the bureau’s Most Wanted Fraudsters initiative launched just three months ago.

The FBI worked closely with Indian law enforcement to secure Bedi’s arrest and is now actively pursuing his return to the United States to face charges. This latest capture demonstrates the far-reaching arm of American law enforcement in holding accountable those who steal from taxpayers and then run.

“Five Most Wanted Fraudsters captured in just three months is a historic success for this initiative,” FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News Digital.

Patel emphasized the magnitude of the crimes involved and the bureau’s commitment to justice.

“The days of taking advantage of American taxpayers without consequence are over,” Patel said.

Federal investigators allege Bedi orchestrated a brazen fraud scheme targeting one of America’s key social safety net programs. Between March 2024 and June 2025, he allegedly defrauded the U.S. government of at least $600,000 through manipulation of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program while operating an Asian grocery store in Tacoma, Washington.

The scheme was particularly insidious in its simplicity. According to the FBI, Bedi allegedly swiped SNAP recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, gave them cash instead of eligible food purchases, and pocketed roughly half of the benefits for himself. This type of fraud directly harms both taxpayers who fund these programs and the vulnerable Americans who depend on them.

After being indicted on wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud charges, a federal judge ordered Bedi to surrender his passport and remain in Washington state while awaiting court proceedings. Investigators allege he had no intention of facing justice.

Instead, Bedi allegedly drove across the Canadian border before fleeing halfway around the world to India. A federal arrest warrant charging him with violating the conditions of his release was issued on May 21, 2026.

The FBI had offered a substantial reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to Bedi’s arrest and conviction. The bureau identified the naturalized U.S. citizen as living in India before his capture.

“As this arrest in India shows, the Justice Department’s reach extends to every corner of the planet,” Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division told Fox News Digital.

“The Fraud Division will continue to work hand-in-hand with the FBI to ensure fraudsters like Bedi are held accountable, no matter where they hide.”

The Most Wanted Fraudsters initiative, launched in June, has proven remarkably effective in its short existence. The five fugitives arrested under the program are collectively accused of more than $2 billion in alleged fraud after spending nearly 4,000 combined days evading justice.

This success rate sends a powerful message to financial criminals: fleeing overseas will not protect you from American law enforcement. The FBI’s ability to coordinate with international partners and track down fugitives demonstrates the strength of U.S. investigative capabilities and the commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars.

The FBI confirmed it is working through diplomatic and legal channels to return Bedi to the United States, where he will face the pending charges in federal court.

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