The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has added India-born Manjit Singh Bedi to its most wanted list of fraud suspects over his alleged involvement in a scheme to illegally convert government food benefits into cash.
Bedi, a naturalised US citizen, allegedly operated the Asian Grocery Store in Tacoma, Washington, where he used customers’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to withdraw Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (SNAP) benefits in exchange for cash.
FBI alleges $600,000 benefits fraud
According to the FBI, Bedi allegedly carried out the scheme between March 2024 and June 2025, causing losses of at least $600,000 to the US government.
Instead of providing eligible food purchases, he allegedly swiped customers’ EBT cards and gave them cash, keeping half of the proceeds for himself.
The FBI has announced a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to Bedi’s arrest and conviction.
Bedi allegedly fled to India
Bedi was indicted on charges including wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud. According to the FBI, he was initially allowed to appear in court without being arrested and was ordered to surrender his passport and remain in Washington state.
The agency alleges that Bedi subsequently drove across the US-Canada border before travelling onwards to India.
A federal arrest warrant was issued on May 21 after he was accused of violating the conditions imposed on him.
FBI seeks information on his whereabouts
The FBI is now seeking information that could help locate and arrest Bedi.
The case highlights how authorities are pursuing alleged fraud involving government benefit programmes, while the international flight of a suspect has added another challenge to the investigation.
The allegations against Bedi have not been established in court, and he remains wanted in connection with the charges.