Punjab Police has arrested 65-year-old Manjit Singh Bedi in Jalandhar, days after the FBI placed him on its Most Wanted Fraudsters list over an alleged scheme that caused losses of at least $600,000 (₹5.67 crore) to the US government’s food assistance programme.
Bedi, an India-born naturalised US citizen, was arrested from the Paragpur area of Jalandhar on Friday. The FBI had announced a reward of up to $150,000 (₹1.42 crore) for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
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Alleged SNAP Fraud Ran Through Tacoma Grocery Store
According to the FBI and Punjab Police, Bedi operated the Asian Grocery Store in Tacoma, Washington, where he was authorised to process Electronic Benefit Transfer cards used by beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
Investigators allege that instead of providing eligible food products, Bedi processed customers’ benefit cards and gave them cash while retaining around half of the amount for himself.
The alleged scheme is said to have operated from March 2024 to June 2025 and caused losses of at least $600,000 to the US government.
The FBI said Bedi was indicted on charges of wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud. He was initially permitted to remain out of custody but was ordered to surrender his passport and remain within Washington state.
FBI Says Bedi Fled US Through Canada
Bedi allegedly violated the conditions of his release and left the United States by road, crossing into Canada before travelling to India in April 2026.
A federal arrest warrant was issued against him on May 21 by the US District Court for the Western District of Washington after he was accused of breaching the conditions of his release.
The FBI later added Bedi to its Most Wanted Fraudsters list and said he was believed to be in India.
Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said Bedi had been traced and arrested by the Jalandhar Commissionerate Police.
“Bedi was reportedly placed on the US’ ‘Most Wanted Fraudsters’ list in connection with a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits fraud case in the US, and allegedly fled to India via Canada in April 2026 to evade the law,” Yadav said.
Punjab Police Book Him in Separate Case
Jalandhar Police Commissioner Satinder Singh said Bedi was arrested from Paragpur in connection with a case registered at Rama Mandi police station on May 16.
Police have booked him under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to cheating and criminal breach of trust, along with provisions of the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act.
Indian authorities are also examining Bedi’s activities and contacts in the country while coordinating with US agencies in the case.
Further legal proceedings, including the possibility of extradition, may follow as authorities pursue the cases against him in India and the United States.
The arrest came shortly after the FBI publicly sought assistance in locating Bedi and announced the $150,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
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About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
