Man Arrested in India for Alleged Food Stamp Fraud
A man accused of defrauding the U.S. government out of $600,000 through a food stamp benefit scheme has been apprehended in India.
The suspect, named Manjit Singh Bedi, was arrested as part of the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters initiative, according to reports. The FBI coordinated with Indian authorities to execute the arrest.
The U.S. Department of Justice indicated that Bedi was the fifth individual listed as a “Most Wanted Fraudster.”
FBI Director Kash Patel mentioned that Bedi was one of several fraud suspects caught in a recent operation lasting three months. He added, “The days of taking advantage of American taxpayers without consequence are over.”
Bedi was reportedly involved in fraudulent activities from March 2024 to June 2025. He operated a grocery store named Asian Grocery Store in Tacoma, Washington, where he allegedly sold food to participants of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) using their EBT cards. However, rather than providing food, he is said to have swiped the cards for cash, keeping half for himself.
After being indicted for wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud, Bedi was permitted to attend court without being detained. He was required to surrender his passport and stay in Washington state. Nevertheless, he managed to drive to Canada before ultimately fleeing to India. A federal arrest warrant was issued for Bedi in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington on May 21, 2026, following charges for violating supervised conditions.
Reports indicate Bedi is a naturalized citizen of the U.S.
Now, the FBI is reportedly working on returning him to the United States to face the charges against him.
During the Trump administration, efforts to combat widespread fraud were prioritized. The U.S. Department of Agriculture noted in May that there were instances of individuals receiving food stamps while driving luxurious vehicles.
Additionally, in June, several undocumented immigrants were arrested in Massachusetts and charged in connection with a $1.4 million food stamp fraud scheme.
