Manjit Singh Bedi, accused of siphoning $6 lakh from the U.S. SNAP benefits program, has been arrested in India. FBI Director Kash Patel announced the capture and said extradition efforts are underway.

  • Manjit Singh Bedi arrested in India after fleeing U.S. charges.
  • Accused of defrauding the U.S. SNAP program of $6 lakh.
  • FBI is seeking his extradition to face wire‑fraud and benefits‑fraud charges.

Background

Bedi, a naturalised U.S. citizen who ran a small grocery store in Tacoma, Washington, allegedly swiped customers' Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, gave them cash instead of food, and kept half of the proceeds. The scheme targeted beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (SNAP), affecting thousands of low‑income Americans.

Nature of the Offences

According to the FBI, between March 2024 and June 2025 Bedi defrauded the U.S. government of at least $6 lakh. He faces charges of wire fraud, SNAP benefits fraud, and multiple related financial crimes. After being indicted, he was ordered to surrender his passport and remain in Washington state, but he crossed into Canada and later fled to India.

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U.S. Authorities' Response

FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X, “Bedi was just arrested in India and was believed to have fled there sometime last year. The FBI is actively working to secure his return to the United States.” He added that Bedi is the fifth most‑wanted fraudster captured since the new list was created three months ago.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this arrest underscores the trans‑national nature of benefit fraud and the importance of strong Indo‑U.S. law‑enforcement cooperation.

"This case highlights how fraud schemes can cross borders and why coordinated international action is essential," says cyber‑crime analyst Dr. Anita Rao.
Did You Know?: The SNAP program serves over 40 million Americans and costs the federal budget roughly $70 billion annually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will Bedi face trial in India before extradition?
Yes, Indian courts will process the existing arrest warrant, after which extradition proceedings can begin.

Q2: How much does the U.S. government lose to SNAP fraud each year?
While Bedi’s case involved $6 lakh, overall SNAP fraud is estimated in the billions of dollars annually.