MINNEAPOLIS — Said Abdullahi Ereg surrendered to the FBI on Thursday at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. He is accused of stealing $4 million from the Federal Child Nutrition Program during the COVID-19 pandemic, federal officials said.
Ereg was indicted on June 24, 2024, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. Officials stated that Ereg allegedly obtained, misappropriated, and laundered federal funds intended to feed children.
Ereg was added to the Justice Department's Most Wanted Fraudster list and is the first person arrested from that list. A federal arrest warrant had been issued for Ereg while he was residing overseas.
"Today's arrest is historic." FBI Director Kash Patel said.
Ereg allegedly participated in the fraud scheme for a one-year period beginning in 2020. Officials accused him of submitting false reimbursement claims for more than $4.2 million in federal funds. He operated a grocery store and deli in Minneapolis that was sponsored by the nonprofit Feeding Our Future, which was founded in Minnesota in 2016.
Federal officials described the investigation into Feeding Our Future as involving one of the largest fraud schemes related to COVID-19 relief funds. "This case sends a clear message: being outside the United States does not place you beyond the reach of HSI and our law enforcement partners." Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy said. "Our commitment is unwavering: those who exploit programs intended to support children and families will be identified, investigated, and brought to justice here in Minnesota."