Department of Justice announces over 1,000 major fraud enforcement actions
In the months since the establishment of the National Fraud Enforcement Division, the Department of Justice has launched over 1,000 major fraud enforcement actions across the country. Coordinated efforts aim to protect taxpayer dollars from schemes targeting Medicaid, SNAP, HUD, Social Security and SBA programs. These federal programs are designed to assist vulnerable groups, including the elderly, sick, and homeless.
NEWYou can now listen to articles!
A fugitive accused of stealing more than $600,000 in federal food stamp benefits has been returned to the United States after being arrested in India last month, FBI Director Kash Patel announced.
Manjit Singh Bedi, one of the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters, was wanted on federal charges stemming from an alleged Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud scheme at a grocery store in Tacoma, Washington.
“BACK IN THE U.S. – Manjit Singh Bedi, one of the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters, arrested in September in India,” Patel posted on X.
Patel highlighted the FBI’s recent success in bringing fugitives back to the United States.
EXCLUSIVE: FBI’S FIFTH MOST WANTED FRAUDSTER CAPTURED AFTER ALLEGED SNAP SCAM SUSPECT ARRESTED IN INDIA
Manjit Singh Bedi is seen in an undated FBI photo. Authorities arrested Bedi in India on Friday after alleging he fled the United States while facing wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud charges. (FBI)
“This is the latest in an unprecedented stretch of success in bringing high-value targets back to the United States through strong partnerships with our foreign law enforcement counterparts,” Patel said.
“Over the past 20 months, we’ve secured 260 extraditions and removals — an increase of more than 70% compared to the previous 20-month period,” he added.
According to federal officials, Bedi allegedly defrauded the U.S. government of at least $600,000 through a SNAP fraud scheme between March 2024 and June 2025 while operating an Asian grocery store in Tacoma.
MILLION-DOLLAR SNAP FOOD STAMP FRAUD SCHEME IN WALZ’S BACKYARD SPARKS OUTRAGE: ‘CRUEL JOKE’
FBI Director Kash Patel speaks during a press conference on Oct. 23, 2025 in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
The FBI said Bedi allegedly swiped SNAP recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, provided cash instead of eligible food purchases and kept roughly half the benefits for himself.
After being indicted in connection with the scheme, Bedi allegedly drove to Canada before fleeing to India.
A federal arrest warrant charging him with violating the conditions of his release was issued on May 21, 2026.
Patel said Bedi is now one of six fugitives captured through the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters program since the list was created three months ago.
FBI ADDS 2 FUGITIVES TO ‘MOST WANTED FRAUDSTERS’ LIST AMID HISTORIC $6.5B HEALTHCARE TAKEDOWN: PATEL
An undated FBI photo shows Manjit Singh Bedi, who investigators allege defrauded the U.S. government out of at least $600,000 through a SNAP benefits fraud scheme before fleeing to India. (FBI)
“This marks yet another significant moment for the historic FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters program,” he said.
Bedi, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was previously the subject of an FBI reward offering up to $150,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
Patel said Bedi will now face justice in the United States for his alleged crimes.
“Thank you to our outstanding partners for their assistance in this case,” Patel wrote.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE APP
Digital’s Brittany Miller contributed to this report.
