Washington/New Delhi: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has added Indian-born US citizen Manjit Singh Bedi to its Most Wanted list over his alleged involvement in a benefits fraud scheme that authorities say caused losses of at least $600,000 to the US government.
US authorities have announced a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to Bedi’s arrest and conviction. The FBI believes he fled the United States and may currently be in India.
Bedi, a naturalised US citizen, operated a grocery store in Tacoma, Washington, according to investigators.
What Is Manjit Singh Bedi Accused Of?
The FBI alleges that Bedi used his business, Asian Grocery Store, to fraudulently exchange government food assistance benefits for cash.
According to investigators, Bedi allegedly swiped Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards belonging to participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and provided them with cash instead of eligible food products.
Authorities allege that Bedi kept around half of the proceeds generated through these transactions.
The alleged operation is said to have continued between March 2024 and June 2025, causing losses of at least $600,000 to the US government.
How Did Bedi Allegedly Flee The United States?
Bedi was indicted on charges related to wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud. According to authorities, he was initially allowed to appear before the court without being taken into custody.
As part of the conditions imposed on him, Bedi was ordered to surrender his passport and remain within Washington state.
Investigators, however, allege that he subsequently violated those conditions by driving across the US-Canada border before eventually fleeing to India.
The circumstances surrounding his onward travel from Canada have not been detailed.
Federal Arrest Warrant Issued In May 2026
A federal arrest warrant for Bedi was issued on May 21, 2026, by the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington in Tacoma after he was accused of violating the conditions imposed by the court.
The FBI is now seeking information that could help authorities locate and arrest him.
Bedi remains wanted, and the allegations against him have not resulted in a conviction. He is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.
