Fugitive Arrested in India Extradited to U.S. for Alleged $600K SNAP Fraud

Manjit Singh Bedi, identified as one of the FBI's Most Wanted Fraudsters, has been returned to the United States following his arrest in India last month. FBI Director Kash Patel announced the extradition of Bedi, who is accused of orchestrating a scheme to steal more than $600,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Bedi, who operated an Asian grocery store in Tacoma, Washington, allegedly defrauded the U.S. government between March 2024 and June 2025. Authorities stated that Bedi is accused of swiping SNAP recipients' Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, providing cash in exchange for benefits instead of eligible food purchases, and keeping approximately half of the funds.

After being indicted on federal charges, Bedi reportedly fled the country, first traveling to Canada before making his way to India. A federal arrest warrant charging him with violating the conditions of his release was issued on May 21, 2026.

Patel highlighted Bedi's capture as a significant achievement for the FBI's Most Wanted Fraudsters program, which was established three months prior. Bedi is one of six fugitives apprehended through this initiative since its inception. He was previously the subject of an FBI reward offering up to $150,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction.

"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," Patel stated in a social media post. He noted that over the past 20 months, the FBI has secured 260 extraditions and removals, representing a more than 70% increase compared to the preceding 20-month period.

The Department of Justice has been pursuing a broader crackdown on fraud. Since the establishment of the National Fraud Enforcement Division, the department has initiated over 1,000 major fraud enforcement actions nationwide. These efforts target schemes affecting programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, HUD, Social Security, and SBA, which are designed to assist vulnerable populations including the elderly, sick, and homeless.