Tacoma grocery store owner added to FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list

A Tacoma grocery store owner accused of stealing more than $600,000 in federal food assistance funds has been added to the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list.

Manjit Singh Bedi, 65, fled the country after being indicted on wire fraud and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud charges earlier this year.

Bedi operated Asian Grocery Store in Tacoma, where he was authorized to accept SNAP benefits. The FBI said between March 2024 and June 2025, instead of selling food to program participants, Bedi allegedly swiped their EBT cards and handed them cash, keeping half the money for himself.

“These benefits are meant to allow people in a vulnerable state to feed themselves and get proper nutrition,” W. Mike Herrington, special agent in charge of the FBI Seattle field office, told KIRO Newsradio. “If somebody is inducing them to use that for other purposes, taking a portion of those away from them, that leaves those people exposed and hungry.”

After his indictment, Bedi was permitted to appear in court without being taken into custody due to a lack of criminal history. He was ordered to surrender his passport and remain in Washington, but Herrington said Bedi drove to Canada and then fled to India. A federal arrest warrant was issued May 21 in U.S. District Court in Tacoma.

Tacoma grocery store owner believed to be hiding in India

Herrington said the FBI is actively working with Indian authorities and has “a pretty good idea” of where Bedi is in the Punjab region of India.

The FBI has also been in contact with Bedi’s family, including his son, urging them to encourage Bedi to return and face the charges. Herrington warned that anyone aiding a fugitive could face criminal liability.

“Anybody who does choose to aid a fugitive from justice, particularly one fleeing the country, is putting themselves in legal jeopardy as well,” Herrington said.

The case is being investigated in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington.

Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips at tips.fbi.gov. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction.

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