Manjit Singh Bedi, a fugitive accused of stealing more than $600,000 in federal food stamp benefits, has been returned to the United States after his arrest in India.
Bedi, one of the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters, was taken into custody in September while abroad and flown back to face federal charges tied to an alleged Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud scheme at his Tacoma, Washington grocery store. FBI Director Kash Patel announced the return on X, writing, “BACK IN THE US – Manjit Singh Bedi, one of the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters, arrested in September in India.”
Patel framed the capture as part of a broader surge in extraditions. “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,” he said. He added that over the past 20 months, the bureau has secured 260 extraditions and removals, an increase of more than 70% compared to the previous 20-month period.
Federal officials allege Bedi ran his scheme between March 2024 and June 2025 while operating an Asian grocery store in Tacoma. The FBI said he allegedly swiped SNAP recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, provided cash instead of eligible food purchases, and kept roughly half the benefits for himself.
After being indicted in connection with the scheme, Bedi allegedly drove to Canada before fleeing to India. A federal arrest warrant charging him with violating the conditions of his release was issued on May 21. Bedi, a naturalized US citizen, had been the subject of an FBI reward offering up to $150,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
Patel noted that Bedi is now one of six fugitives captured through the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters program since the list was created three months ago. “This marks yet another significant moment for the historic FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters program,” he said.
The FBI director thanked international partners for their role in the case. “Thank you to our outstanding partners for their assistance in this case,” Patel wrote on X. He also stated that Bedi will now face justice in the United States for his alleged crimes.
The alleged scheme operated for roughly fifteen months before Bedi was indicted and fled the country. SNAP fraud involving EBT card trafficking has drawn increasing federal scrutiny, with authorities targeting retailers who exchange benefits for cash at inflated rates.
Bedi’s capture marks the sixth arrest through the FBI’s dedicated fraud fugitive program, which launched this summer to spotlight financial crimes that target government assistance programs.
Patel’s announcement did not specify which court or district Bedi would first appear in upon his return.