The FBI recently expanded its Most Wanted Fraudsters list by adding three individuals accused of large-scale financial crimes. This move aims to draw attention to those involved in significant fraud cases and encourage public assistance in arrest efforts. FBI Director Kash Patel announced this update on September 3. The newly added suspects are Manjit Singh Bedi, Onur Simsek, and Bernhard Eugen Fritsch, all wanted for separate fraud schemes.
The Recent Additions
Manjit Singh Bedi
Bedi allegedly defrauded the U.S. government of over $600,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds from 2024 to 2025. Prosecutors accuse him of using a grocery store in Tacoma, Washington, to execute this fraud by improperly processing Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) transactions and pocketing the profits. Authorities suspected Bedi fled to India after his charges of wire fraud and related offenses, evading capture for nearly a year. Recently, Indian authorities arrested Bedi, marking the fifth capture from the Most Wanted Fraudsters list linked to SNAP fraud.
“As this arrest in India shows, the Justice Department’s reach extends to every corner of the planet. The DOJ Fraud Section will continue to work hand-in-hand with the FBI to ensure fraudsters like Bedi are held accountable, no matter where they hide.” – Deputy Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald
Bernhard Eugen Fritsch
Fritsch is wanted for alleged investment fraud linked to his company, StarClub Inc. From 2014 to 2017, he reportedly raised $35 million from investors while misleading them about the company’s financial health. Authorities revealed that at least $7.3 million was misused for personal expenses, like housing and luxury cars. Convicted of wire fraud in April 2025, Fritsch fled to Mexico ahead of a post-conviction hearing. Apprehended in Mexico with fake IDs, he was later released. He then fled to Munich, Germany. Sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison in October 2025, Fritsch must also pay a $35,000 fine and $26.8 million in restitution.
Onur Simsek
A Turkish national, Simsek is implicated in a fraud scheme to acquire Department of Defense contracts for key military components from 2019 to 2022. Allegedly, he and cohorts used a front company to win contracts by misrepresenting capabilities, transferring funds to Turkey via international wires. Since 2023, Simsek has been evading charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering.
The FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters List
Launched on June 4, 2026, the Most Wanted Fraudsters list is the FBI’s newest initiative, focusing on those accused of causing significant financial damage through fraud. At its unveiling, Patel emphasized the list’s role in rallying law enforcement to address high-impact fraud cases. The roster includes suspects linked to diverse fraud types, from healthcare to government benefits.
Overview of FBI’s Most Wanted Lists
- Ten Most Wanted Fugitives: Established in 1950.
- Most Wanted Terrorists: Initiated post-9/11.
- Most Wanted Fraudsters: Introduced in 2026.
The fraud-focused list underscores the FBI’s dedication to tackling financial crime, while seeking public assistance to apprehend those involved. Currently, the list features 12 suspects, including Simsek and Fritsch, as the bureau solicits tips from the community.
For further comments, Newsweek reached out to the DOJ Office of Public Affairs.
Contact editors at Newsweek: John Fitzpatrick and Tony Phillips.
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