The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has put Indian-origin Manjit Singh Bedi on its most-wanted list, accusing him of running a scheme that allegedly defrauded the US government of at least USD 6 lakh through SNAP benefits.

Bedi, a naturalised US citizen, is accused of misusing customers’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards at a grocery store he operated in Tacoma, Washington. The FBI is now seeking information that could help authorities locate him.

Who is Manjit Singh Bedi?

Manjit Singh Bedi is an Indian-origin naturalised US citizen who allegedly operated the Asian Grocery Store in Tacoma, Washington.

According to investigators, his business became the centre of an alleged scheme involving SNAP, the US government programme that provides food assistance to eligible recipients.

The FBI claims Bedi did not simply process legitimate grocery purchases through customers’ EBT cards. Instead, he allegedly turned SNAP benefits into cash and retained a share of the money.

What is Bedi accused of?

Under the alleged arrangement, SNAP recipients would use their EBT cards at Bedi’s store. Investigators say that rather than providing groceries worth the full benefit amount, Bedi allegedly converted the benefits into cash for customers.

He is accused of keeping part of the proceeds for himself.

The FBI says the alleged operation continued from March 2024 through June 2025 and resulted in losses of at least USD 6 lakh to the US government.

How did Bedi leave US?

Bedi was indicted on charges including wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud. Following his court appearance, he was allowed to remain out of custody under specific release conditions.

Those conditions required him to surrender his passport and stay within Washington state.

The FBI alleges that Bedi later violated those restrictions. Investigators say he travelled by road into Canada and subsequently made his way to India.

US Court issues arrest warrant

After the alleged violation of his release terms, a US district court issued a federal arrest warrant against Bedi on May 21. He was charged with violating the conditions attached to his release.

The FBI has since turned to the public for help in locating him.

‘A reward of up to USD 150,000 is offered for information leading to his arrest and conviction,’ the FBI said.

Authorities are seeking information that could help track down Bedi and bring him back into the US legal process.