FBI-Wanted Manjeet Singh Bedi Arrested in Jalandhar: What We Know About the US Fraud Case

Jalandhar, September 5, 2026: Jalandhar Commissionerate Police have arrested 65-year-old Manjeet Singh Bedi, an Indian-origin US citizen who was wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in connection with an alleged $600,000 fraud involving US government welfare benefits. He was reportedly traced and arrested near Paragpur in Jalandhar.

Bedi had allegedly remained on the run after leaving the United States and returning to India, with police now investigating both the American fraud case and allegations concerning his activities in Jalandhar.

Who Is Manjeet Singh Bedi?

According to reports, Bedi is a naturalised US citizen who had been living in Tacoma, Washington, where he operated an Asian grocery store.

US authorities allege that the grocery business was used in a scheme involving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The FBI says he allegedly used customers’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to convert government food benefits into cash rather than providing eligible food purchases.

How Did the Alleged US Fraud Work?

According to the FBI-related account cited by Indian media, Bedi was authorised to accept SNAP benefits through his store. He allegedly began converting beneficiaries’ food assistance into cash and retaining a portion of the value.

The alleged scheme resulted in losses of approximately $600,000 to the US government, according to police and media reports.

He was subsequently charged in the United States with offences including wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud, according to reports.

Bedi Allegedly Fled the US

Reports say Bedi was subject to restrictions imposed by a US court, including requirements relating to his passport and remaining within Washington state.

According to police reports, he later crossed into Canada by car before travelling to India, prompting US authorities to issue a federal arrest warrant in May 2026.

The FBI also reportedly announced a $150,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction.

How Jalandhar Police Caught Him

Jalandhar Commissionerate Police traced Bedi to the Paragpur area and arrested him, according to police-related reports.

Authorities say he had returned to his hometown and was allegedly operating as an unregistered travel agent, taking money from people seeking to travel abroad. A case was reportedly registered at Rama Mandi Police Station under fraud, criminal breach of trust and provisions of the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act.

A Second Layer to the Case in Jalandhar

The arrest has attracted attention because Bedi was reportedly not simply hiding in India.

Police allege that he had become involved in the local migration business, allegedly collecting money from young people looking to go overseas without operating a properly registered travel business. The Jalandhar investigation is separate from the underlying US federal fraud case and will examine whether any local offences were committed.

Police and US Authorities to Coordinate

Jalandhar Police Commissioner Satinder Singh said authorities are coordinating with relevant federal agencies regarding the case and possible extradition-related procedures, while also verifying Bedi’s travel and identity documents.

Further legal action will depend on the US proceedings as well as the findings of the Indian investigation.

Why the Arrest Is Significant

Bedi’s arrest demonstrates how an international fugitive can remain under the radar by moving between countries and eventually returning to his place of origin.

The case also highlights the importance of cooperation between Indian law-enforcement agencies and US federal authorities when suspects wanted abroad are located in India.

For Jalandhar, the alleged use of an illegal travel business adds another dimension to a case that already involves an international fraud investigation.

Key Highlights
Manjeet Singh Bedi, 65, was arrested in Jalandhar.
He is reportedly a naturalised US citizen.
The FBI allegedly wanted him in a $600,000 US welfare-benefit fraud case.
US authorities allege misuse of SNAP/EBT benefits through an Asian grocery store in Tacoma.
Reports say he allegedly travelled through Canada before returning to India.
A US federal arrest warrant was reportedly issued in May 2026.
Jalandhar Police also allege that he was operating an illegal travel business after returning to India.
Further investigation and coordination with US authorities are underway.