FBI captures 'Most Wanted Fraudster' accused of orchestrating over $600,000 SNAP fraud scheme out of WA grocery store

The FBI has captured its fifth "Most Wanted Fraudster," who has been accused of defrauding the government of at least $600,000 in SNAP benefits. Manjit Singh Bedi, 65, an immigrant from India, allegedly orchestrated the fraud scheme out of a grocery store he operated in Tacoma, Washington.

Bedi, a naturalized US citizen, was apprehended in India after he reportedly fled to the country last year, FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Saturday. "The FBI is actively working to secure his return to the US," said Patel.

According to the FBI, Bedi orchestrated the scheme between March 2024 and June 2025. He allegedly sold food to SNAP participants through their EBT cards out of his small grocery store, called Asian Grocery Store. Instead of selling food, Bedi allegedly swiped their cards, gave them cash, and pocketed half of the proceeds.

Bedi was indicted for wire fraud and SNAP fraud in the US District Court for the Western District of Washington. A federal judge allowed his release, ordered him to surrender his passport, and to remain in the United States. Shortly after, Bedi drove across the border to Canada and fled to India, where he was born.

A federal arrest warrant was issued on May 21, 2026, after he was charged with violating the conditions of his release.

"This is the 5th Most Wanted Fraudster captured since the creation of the new list three months ago - and yet another high value target captured overseas," said FBI Dir. Kash Patel on X. "Subjects captured so far have been responsible for a combined over $2 billion in fraud and were on the run for almost 4,000 days collectively prior to arrest."

In a separate post, Patel added: "When I became FBI Director, I made a promise: the world would no longer be a safe haven for those who prey on Americans...Run overseas. Hide behind borders. Change countries. It won’t save you. This FBI will hunt you down."