Indian-Origin Manjit Bedi Accused of $600,000 Fraud

WASHINGTON। Manjit Singh Bedi, accused of fraud in a US government welfare scheme, has been arrested by Punjab Police in Jalandhar. This accused, listed in the FBI's Most Wanted Fraudsters list, faces charges of at least $600,000 in embezzlement.

According to the FBI, Manjit Singh Bedi was misusing government benefit cards under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through his grocery store in Tacoma, Washington, between March 2024 and June 2025. He swiped customers' EBT cards to give cash and kept about half of the benefits for himself.

US authorities have charged Bedi with wire fraud and fraud related to SNAP benefits. The FBI had announced a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction.

In May 2026, the district court of the Western District of Washington issued a federal arrest warrant against Bedi. It is alleged that he fled to India by crossing the Canadian border by car.

Punjab Police arrested him in the Jalandhar Commissionerate area. The police DGP said, "Jalandhar Commissionerate Police has caught the wanted fugitive in a case related to the US benefit scheme." He added, "The aim of Punjab Police is to send a message to such criminals that escaping the law by crossing borders is not possible."

The FBI released the Most Wanted Fraudsters list in June this year to identify accused persons and raise public awareness. According to the agency, four accused previously on the list have been arrested.

The FBI stated that Bedi ran a store named Asian Grocery Store in Tacoma, Washington. The investigative agency alleges he misused this system.

The US investigative agency said that initially Bedi was allowed to appear in court without arrest, but later he submitted his passport and left Washington state.

Cooperation between law enforcement agencies of India and the US is continuously strengthening. In July, India welcomed the announcement of Operation Hardball, in which several members of organized crime gangs were arrested.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs said that agencies of both countries are working together to tackle terrorism and international organized crime.

This FBI list is an important means to get public help in catching fugitives and bringing criminals to justice

General John Walk

Manjit Bedi is accused of defrauding at least $600,000 in the government SNAP scheme

US authorities