FBI Most Wanted Fugitives
FBI Adds Two Fugitive Fraudsters to Most Wanted Lists With Rewards Offered
Anonymous
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FBI Seattle special agent W. Mike Herrington said SNAP fraud by “inducing” recipients to divert benefits “leaves those people exposed and hungry,” emphasizing the harm to vulnerable program participants.
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Investigators said Bedi’s alleged scheme was carried out at his Tacoma shop, “Asian Grocery Store,” where he was authorized to accept SNAP/EBT but instead allegedly swiped cards and gave customers cash rather than food.
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The FBI also said it is working with Bedi’s family—specifically contacting his son—to encourage Bedi to return; Herrington warned that anyone who helps a fugitive could face criminal liability.
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For Bernhard Eugen Fritsch, prosecutors described that he convinced investors to fund a celebrity/brand-endorsement app while using investor money for personal spending; authorities said at least $7.3 million went to personal expenses, and the government seized his yacht and luxury cars.
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Fritsch was not only convicted on one wire-fraud count; reports say a jury acquitted him of a second wire-fraud count, and he later fled after a bond-revocation hearing was missed.
The FBI added two major fraudsters to its Most Wanted Fraudsters list this week. mynorthwest.com reported that Manjit Singh Bedi, a Tacoma grocery store owner, allegedly stole over $600,000 in federal food assistance by swiping SNAP benefit cards and giving customers cash instead. Separately, us.headtopics.com revealed that Bernhard Eugen Fritsch, a tech executive, defrauded investors of over $20 million and fled before sentencing. Both fugitives have fled to foreign countries, and the FBI is offering up to $150,000 for information leading to their arrest and conviction.
Tacoma Grocer Accused of SNAP Benefit Scheme
Manjit Singh Bedi ran an Asian Grocery Store in Tacoma and was authorized to accept SNAP benefits through EBT cards. mynorthwest.com reported that Bedi allegedly swiped customers' EBT cards but gave them cash instead of food. He kept roughly half the money from each transaction, stealing over $600,000 in federal assistance. Bedi initially appeared in court without arrest but later violated supervision conditions, driving to Canada and then fleeing to India.
FBI Seattle special agent W. Mike Herrington emphasized the harm to vulnerable people. He said that diverting SNAP benefits "leaves those people exposed and hungry." etvbharat.com reported that investigators are working with Bedi's family, including his son, to encourage his return. Herrington warned that anyone helping a fugitive could face criminal charges. The FBI is offering up to $150,000 for information leading to Bedi's arrest and conviction.
Tech Executive Fled After $20 Million Investor Fraud
Bernhard Eugen Fritsch founded and ran StarClub Inc. in Santa Monica. us.headtopics.com reported that he defrauded investors out of over $20 million by lying about his company's financial performance. Fritsch promised investors that his startup had celebrity endorsements and brand partnerships for a tech app. Instead, he allegedly used investor money for personal spending, with at least $7.3 million going to luxury items like a yacht and expensive cars.
A jury convicted Fritsch on one count of wire fraud in April 2025. surfsantamonica.com reported that he was sentenced to 15 years in prison and ordered to pay restitution and fines. However, Fritsch disappeared before his sentencing hearing. After he missed a bond-revocation hearing, an arrest warrant was issued. Authorities believe he fled to Mexico and is now hiding near Munich, Germany. The FBI is coordinating with foreign authorities and offering up to $150,000 for information about his location.
How Fugitives Exploit Court Delays and Borders
Both cases reveal a critical gap in the justice system. After charges are filed, courts sometimes allow defendants to remain free with conditions—like surrendering a passport or staying in one location. Bedi and Fritsch both used this window to flee across international borders. Bedi drove to Canada and then to India. Fritsch fled to Mexico and then Germany. By the time arrest warrants were issued, both men were beyond U.S. jurisdiction.
The FBI's response includes rewards, family outreach, and coordination with foreign governments. sgvtribune.com reported that investigators are tracking fugitives across multiple countries. Rewards incentivize tips from the public and networks around the fugitives. Family contact—like Bedi's son—can pressure fugitives to surrender. These efforts aim to shrink the "escape window" and improve the chances of arrest, restitution, and eventual recovery of stolen funds for victims.
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