Washington: The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has placed India-born Manjit Singh Bedi on its ‘Most Wanted Fraudsters’ list, accusing him of carrying out a major fraud involving the US government’s food assistance programme. According to the FBI, Bedi allegedly used the grocery store he operated in Tacoma, Washington, to process transactions through the cards of people receiving government food benefits and provide them with cash instead of food. Investigators allege that he kept a portion of the benefit amount for himself.
According to the FBI, the alleged fraud scheme operated from March 2024 through June 2025. During this period, Bedi allegedly used a systematic method to convert government food assistance benefits into cash. Beneficiaries would use their food assistance cards at his store, and Bedi allegedly gave them cash in return instead of providing eligible food items. The agency alleges that he retained a share of the money from these transactions, resulting in the alleged misuse of government assistance funds.
Investigators estimate that the alleged scheme caused losses of at least $600,000 to the US government, equivalent to approximately ₹5.3 crore. The FBI alleges that Bedi used his business establishment to illegally convert government food benefits into cash. Following the discovery of the alleged fraud, US authorities began investigating his activities, financial transactions and the extent of the losses linked to the programme.
Bedi was born in India and later became a naturalised US citizen. According to US authorities, he was released under certain conditions after legal proceedings were initiated against him. However, he allegedly violated the terms of his release and left the United States. Investigators believe he may currently be in India. The FBI subsequently added him to its wanted list as it intensified efforts to locate and apprehend him.
The FBI’s inclusion of an accused person on its wanted list is also aimed at seeking public assistance in locating the individual and gathering information about his whereabouts. US authorities are now examining Bedi’s alleged activities, financial transactions and the losses associated with the food assistance programme. Investigators are also looking into how he allegedly left the United States and his possible presence in India.
US food assistance programmes provide eligible individuals with government benefits to purchase approved food products. These benefits are intended to be used for food purchases at authorised retailers. Converting such benefits into cash violates the rules governing the programme and can result in the misuse of public funds. US investigative agencies have been closely examining schemes in which government assistance is allegedly diverted through fraudulent transactions.
The allegations against Bedi have not been proven in court. His inclusion on the FBI’s wanted list is part of the ongoing investigation and prosecution process in the United States. Any final determination regarding the allegations will be made through judicial proceedings. The FBI’s action, however, underlines the seriousness with which US authorities are treating the alleged misuse of government food assistance.
The case also highlights the challenges faced by authorities in monitoring transactions involving government welfare programmes. The alleged use of a legitimate grocery business and beneficiaries’ government-issued assistance cards demonstrates how such schemes can potentially be exploited through otherwise routine financial transactions. The FBI is continuing its efforts to locate Bedi while examining financial records and other activities potentially connected to the alleged fraud.
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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.
