FBI Adds Tacoma Grocery Store Owner to Most Wanted Fraudsters List
FBI seeks Manjit Singh Bedi over an alleged SNAP benefits fraud scheme in Tacoma.
The FBI has added Manjit Singh Bedi, 65, of Tacoma, Washington, to its Most Wanted Fraudsters list over his alleged involvement in a large-scale SNAP benefits fraud scheme.
The FBI said Bedi allegedly defrauded the US government of at least $600,000 between March 2024 and June 2025. Authorities are offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
Alleged SNAP Benefits Fraud
According to the FBI, Bedi operated Asian Grocery Store, a small grocery business in Tacoma.
The store allegedly accepted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through customers’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
However, investigators allege that Bedi did not provide food in exchange for the benefits. Instead, he allegedly swiped customers’ cards and provided them with cash.
Authorities allege that Bedi kept approximately half of the proceeds for himself.
Bedi Allegedly Fled to India
Bedi was indicted on charges related to wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud.
Initially, he was permitted to appear in court without being arrested. He was also ordered to surrender his passport and remain in Washington state.
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However, according to the FBI, Bedi later drove across the US-Canada border before fleeing to India.
Bedi is a naturalized US citizen.
Federal Arrest Warrant Issued
A federal arrest warrant was issued for Bedi on May 21, 2026, in the US District Court for the Western District of Washington in Tacoma.
The warrant followed allegations that he violated conditions of supervision.
The FBI and its law enforcement partners are now seeking information that could help locate him.
FBI Offers Up to $150,000 Reward
Anyone with information about Bedi’s whereabouts or the case can contact the FBI’s toll-free tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit information through the FBI’s official tip system.
The FBI said the Most Wanted Fraudsters list is designed to increase public awareness and encourage people to provide information about wanted fraud suspects.
The Bureau launched the list with eight individuals on June 4, 2026. Since then, 16 people have been added, while four have been captured.
As of September 3, 2026, 12 individuals were featured on the list.
Charges Remain Allegations
The FBI stressed that the charges in the indictment are allegations.
Bedi is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
The FBI also said it does not publicly identify people who provide information or disclose whether rewards are paid. The Bureau considers public tips an important tool in preventing and investigating crime.
