Manjeet Singh Bedi, accused of defrauding a US government assistance programme, has been extradited from India to the US.
Bedi, who was arrested in India in September 2026, was returned to the United States on Wednesday night. He is scheduled to appear before a court in Washington state on Friday, October 16, according to Acting US Attorney Charles Neil Floyd.
The accused faces charges of wire fraud and fraud involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with authorities alleging that he defrauded the US government of at least $600,000 between 2024 and 2025.
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What Fraud Is Manjeet Singh Bedi Accused Of?
Bedi operated a small grocery business called Asian Grocery Store in Tacoma, Washington state. The establishment reportedly sold food to beneficiaries of SNAP, a government assistance programme that allows eligible participants to purchase food using Electronic Benefit Transfer cards.
US authorities allege that Bedi was involved in fraudulent transactions connected to SNAP benefits, resulting in losses of at least $600,000. After being charged, Bedi was initially permitted to appear in court without being arrested. However, he was instructed to surrender his passport and remain within Washington state while proceedings continued.
How Did Bedi Escape to India?
Despite the court’s restrictions, Bedi allegedly drove across the US border into Canada before travelling to India. His departure prompted efforts to locate him through international law enforcement cooperation. He was eventually arrested in India in September and subsequently extradited to the United States.
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office, credited investigators, international law enforcement partners and information received from the public for securing his return.
What Happens After His Extradition?
Bedi is expected to appear before a court in Tacoma to face the pending fraud charges. Acting US Attorney Charles Neil Floyd said prosecutors would seek his detention pending trial, arguing that his previous departure demonstrated both the willingness and ability to flee.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the extradition as another development under the agency’s Most Wanted Fraudsters programme.
What Does the Case Mean for International Cooperation?
Bedi’s extradition reflects cooperation between Indian and American law enforcement authorities in locating and returning individuals wanted for financial offences.
Patel said US authorities had carried out more than 260 removal actions over 20 months, approximately 70% higher than the preceding period.
The case illustrates how financial fraud investigations can extend across international borders when accused individuals leave the country where charges were filed. Bedi’s return also highlights the role of information-sharing and cooperation between law enforcement agencies in pursuing fugitives.
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