FBI returns 'Most Wanted' fraudster to US after India arrest in alleged $600K SNAP food stamp scheme
A fugitive accused of stealing more than $600,000 in federal food stamp benefits has been returned to the United States after being arrested in India last month, FBI Director Kash Patel announced.Manjit Singh Bedi, one of the FBI's Most Wanted Fraudsters, was wanted on federal charges stemming from an alleged Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud scheme at a grocery store in Tacoma, Washington."BACK IN THE U.S.- Manjit Singh Bedi, one of the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters, arrested in September in India," Patel posted on X.Patel highlighted the FBI's recent success in bringing fugitives back to the United States.EXCLUSIVE: FBI'S FIFTH MOST WANTED FRAUDSTER CAPTURED AFTER ALLEGED SNAP SCAM SUSPECT ARRESTED IN INDIAManjit Singh Bedi is seen in an undated FBI photo.
Authorities arrested Bedi in India on Friday after alleging he fled the United States while facing wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud charges.(FBI)"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 said."Over the past 20 months, we’ve secured 260 extraditions and removals — an increase of more than 70% compared to the previous 20-month period," he added.According to federal officials, Bedi allegedly defrauded the U.S.
government of at least $600,000 through a SNAP fraud scheme between March 2024 and June 2025 while operating an Asian grocery store in Tacoma.MILLION-DOLLAR SNAP FOOD STAMP FRAUD SCHEME IN WALZ'S BACKYARD SPARKS OUTRAGE: 'CRUEL JOKE'FBI Director Kash Patel speaks during a press conference on Oct.23, 2025 in New York City.
(Michael M.Santiago/Getty Images)The FBI said Bedi 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 bef...