FBI Expands Most Wanted Fraudsters List with New Additions

The FBI recently added three individuals to its Most Wanted Fraudsters list. This initiative aims to spotlight those accused of major financial crimes and gather public tips leading to arrests. Announced by FBI Director Kash Patel on September 3, the new names included are Manjit Singh Bedi, Onur Simsek, and Bernhard Eugen Fritsch. Each individual is associated with separate fraud schemes as the FBI intensifies its focus on large-scale fraud cases.

Who Are the New Additions?

Manjit Singh Bedi is accused of defrauding the U.S. government out of $600,000 through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Bedi allegedly operated this scheme through his grocery store in Tacoma, Washington, by processing fraudulent Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) transactions. After fleeing to India, he was charged with wire fraud amongst other offenses. The FBI recently announced Bedi’s arrest in India related to the SNAP fraud scheme.

Deputy Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald said the arrest illustrates the Justice Department’s global reach in holding fraudsters accountable regardless of their location.

Bernhard Eugen Fritsch is associated with an investment fraud scheme through his technology company, StarClub Inc. Between 2014 and 2017, Fritsch allegedly raised $35 million from investors under false pretenses. Authorities claim he diverted over $7.3 million for personal expenses. Convicted of wire fraud in April 2025, Fritsch later fled to Mexico and eventually to Munich, Germany. Sentenced to 15 years in absentia, he faces a $35,000 fine and restitution of over $26.8 million.

Onur Simsek, a Turkish national, is accused of illegally securing Department of Defense contracts for military components. By using a front company between 2019 and 2022, Simsek and associates allegedly misrepresented capabilities to U.S. officials and transferred large sums to Turkey. Simsek remains a fugitive and faces charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering.

About the Most Wanted Fraudsters List

The Most Wanted Fraudsters list, initiated on June 4, 2026, highlights fugitives charged with substantial financial crimes against victims, businesses, or government programs. Director Patel described it as a historical initiative for identifying top-tier fraud offenders. The list includes criminals involved in various fraud types, such as healthcare, pandemic relief, investor, and government benefits fraud.

FBI’s Most Wanted Lists

The FBI manages three major Most Wanted lists:

• Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, started in 1950.
• Most Wanted Terrorists, created post-September 11, 2001.
• Most Wanted Fraudsters, launched in June 2026.

The FBI’s statement emphasizes the commitment to tracking major financial criminals while informing the public about significant fraud practitioners. The Most Wanted Fraudsters page features 12 individuals, including Simsek and Fritsch. Federal authorities continue to seek public assistance for information leading to their capture.