FBI Expands Most Wanted Fraudsters List with New Additions
The FBI has recently expanded its Most Wanted Fraudsters list by adding three new suspects accused of significant financial crimes. This initiative aims to highlight such individuals and encourage public tips that could lead to their arrests. The latest suspects added to the list are Manjit Singh Bedi, Onur Simsek, and Bernhard Eugen Fritsch. FBI Director Kash Patel announced their addition on September 3 as part of the bureau’s increased focus on large-scale fraud cases.
Recent Arrests and Updates
Director Patel stated that the FBI had already apprehended four individuals allegedly involved in nearly $2 billion of fraud. These individuals had spent approximately 9½ years combined on the run before being returned to the United States to face justice.
Identities of New Additions
Manjit Singh Bedi
Bedi is accused of defrauding the U.S. government of over $600,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds between 2024 and 2025. He allegedly used a grocery store he operated in Tacoma, Washington, to fraudulently process EBT transactions. Authorities suspect he fled to India. The FBI has now confirmed his arrest there, making him the fifth individual from the Most Wanted Fraudsters List to be captured. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald remarked that this arrest demonstrates the DOJ’s global reach and commitment to hold fraudsters accountable.
Bernhard Eugen Fritsch
Fritsch is wanted for an alleged investment fraud involving his technology company, StarClub Inc. He is accused of misleading investors between 2014 and 2017, raising approximately $35 million while falsely representing the company’s financial status. At least $7.3 million was reportedly misused for personal expenses. Fritsch fled to Mexico post-conviction in April 2025, was detained there, and later fled to Munich. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison and ordered to pay fines and restitution in his absence.
Onur Simsek
Simsek, a Turkish national, is allegedly involved in a scheme to fraudulently secure Department of Defense contracts between 2019 and 2022, using a front company. The scheme allegedly involved transfer of large sums to Turkey via wire transactions. Simsek has evaded capture since 2023 and faces charges including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government, wire fraud, and money laundering.
Details on the Most Wanted Fraudsters List
The Most Wanted Fraudsters list, launched on June 4, 2026, aims to showcase fugitives accused of inflicting substantial financial harm. Launched by Director Patel as a historic initiative, the list helps law enforcement mobilize efforts to bring these criminal suspects to justice. It currently includes crimes such as health care fraud, pandemic relief fraud, investor fraud, and government benefits fraud.
Overview of FBI’s Most Wanted Lists
The FBI now maintains three official Most Wanted lists:
- Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, established in 1950
- Most Wanted Terrorists, created after the September 11, 2001, attacks
- Most Wanted Fraudsters, launched in June 2026
Conclusion
The FBI’s new fraud-focused list highlights the agency’s dedication to pursuing significant financial criminals. Public awareness is also a crucial component of this initiative as federal authorities seek tips from the community. Currently, the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters page features 12 individuals.