Washington Grocer Wanted By FBI After Fleeing To India

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – The FBI is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Manjit Singh Bedi, a naturalized US citizen wanted in connection with an alleged scheme that defrauded the federal government of at least $600,000 in SNAP benefits.

Bedi, whose date of birth is listed to be in the year 1961, is believed to be in India, according to the FBI.

The FBI alleges that Bedi operated Asian Grocery Store, a small grocery store in Tacoma, Washington, and used customers’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) electronic benefit transfer cards as part of the fraud scheme between March 2024 and June 2025.

According to the agency, Bedi would swipe customers’ EBT cards but allegedly give them cash instead of food. He is accused of keeping half of the proceeds for himself.

After his indictment, Bedi was allowed to appear in court without being arrested. He was ordered to surrender his passport and remain in Washington state, the FBI said.

Bedi violated those conditions by driving into Canada and then fleeing to India.

A federal arrest warrant was issued for Bedi May 21, 2026, in the US District Court for the Western District of Washington in Tacoma after he was charged with violating his conditions of supervision.

The FBI lists Bedi’s place of birth as India. He is 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighs approximately 200 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information about Bedi’s whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). Tips can also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov or through the nearest FBI office or US Embassy or Consulate.