Federal authorities captured a fugitive accused of stealing more than $600,000 from American taxpayers through a food stamp fraud scheme, marking the fifth arrest in just three months under the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters initiative.

SNAP Benefits Scheme Exposed

Federal investigators say the suspect operated an Asian grocery store in Tacoma, Washington, where he allegedly swiped SNAP recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer cards between March 2024 and June 2025. Instead of providing eligible food purchases, authorities claim he gave customers cash and pocketed roughly half of the government benefits for himself. The scheme allegedly defrauded the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program out of at least $600,000 before investigators uncovered the operation.

After being indicted on wire fraud and SNAP benefits fraud charges, the suspect was ordered to surrender his passport and remain in Washington state while awaiting court proceedings. Federal investigators say he instead drove across the Canadian border before fleeing to India, prompting a federal arrest warrant for violating the conditions of his release issued on May 21, 2026.

International Manhunt Succeeds

The FBI worked with Indian authorities to secure the arrest of the naturalized American citizen, who was believed to be living in India. The bureau had offered a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction. FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News Digital that five Most Wanted Fraudsters captured in just three months represents a historic success for the initiative launched in June.

The five fugitives arrested through the program are collectively accused of more than $2 billion in alleged fraud after spending nearly 4,000 combined days on the run. FBI officials say the arrests underscore the bureau’s commitment to pursuing alleged fraudsters who fled overseas attempting to evade prosecution.

Crackdown on Financial Crimes

Colin McDonald, the fraud czar and assistant attorney general for the Fraud Division, emphasized that the time for these individuals to hide in the dark is over because their identities and alleged multimillion-dollar schemes are now being exposed to the public. Federal authorities are actively working to return the suspect to the United States to face charges. McDonald stated the Fraud Division will continue working hand-in-hand with the FBI to ensure fraudsters are held accountable, no matter where they hide. Patel declared the days of taking advantage of American taxpayers without consequence are over.