Tacoma Store Owner Added to FBI Most Wanted List Following $600,000 Food Aid Fraud
Tacoma, Friday, 4 September 2026.
A Tacoma grocery owner joined the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list after allegedly orchestrating a $600,000 food aid scheme, breaching court-ordered release conditions, and fleeing to India.
Federal Designation and Alleged Fraud Timeline
On Friday, 4 September 2026, federal authorities officially added Manjit Singh Bedi to the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list, marking a significant escalation in the pursuit of the Tacoma-based grocery store operator [1][4]. The designation follows an extensive investigation into alleged financial misconduct involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with authorities accusing Bedi of defrauding the U.S. government of at least $600,000 [5][6]. This specific list is distinct from the FBI’s traditional Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, focusing exclusively on financial crimes that undermine economic integrity [3]. The timing of the announcement underscores a renewed federal emphasis on tracking international asset flight and small-business financial misconduct in the Pacific Northwest [2].
Mechanics of the SNAP Benefits Scheme
According to the FBI, the alleged fraud occurred between March 2024 and June 2025 at the Asian Grocery Store in Tacoma, Washington, where Bedi was authorized to accept government benefits [1][5]. Instead of exchanging electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards for food items as mandated by program rules, Bedi allegedly swiped customer cards and provided cash, retaining approximately half of the proceeds for himself [7]. Based on the total alleged fraud amount, Bedi is accused of personally gaining around 300000 through these illicit transactions [5]. This practice not only violates federal wire fraud statutes but also deprives vulnerable populations of essential nutrition resources intended for food security [1].
Flight from Justice and International Manhunt
Following his indictment on wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud charges earlier in 2026, Bedi was initially permitted to remain out of custody due to a lack of prior criminal history [1][3]. Judicial conditions required him to surrender his passport and remain within Washington state, but investigators report that Bedi drove across the border into Canada before fleeing to India [2][5]. A federal arrest warrant was subsequently issued on May 21, 2026, in the U.S. District Court in Tacoma after Bedi was charged with Violations of Conditions of Supervision [3][6]. FBI officials state they are actively collaborating with Indian authorities and have identified the Punjab region as his likely location [1].
Rewards and Enforcement Context
To incentivize information leading to Bedi’s arrest and conviction, the FBI is offering a reward of up to $150,000 [4][5]. This case highlights the operational scope of the Fraudsters list, which has seen 16 individuals added since its inception, with only four captured to date [3]. Legal experts warn that any individuals aiding a fugitive from justice, particularly in international flight scenarios, could face criminal liability themselves [1]. Tips regarding Bedi’s whereabouts can be submitted via the FBI tip line or website, emphasizing the agency’s reliance on public assistance in cross-border financial crime investigations [6][7].