(The Center Square) – Federal authorities announced the first arrest from the FBI’s newly-launched “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list was made in Minneapolis.
Said Abdullahi Ereg, who was indicted in 2024 for his alleged role in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, surrendered to FBI agents at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport after spending years overseas.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Minnesota, Ereg allegedly submitted false reimbursement claims between April 2020 and April 2021 and received more than $4.2 million in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds for his business.
“At times, Evergreen Grocery and Deli claimed to have served more than 3,000 meals, twice a day, seven days a week,” the office said in a press release.
Ereg faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and money laundering.
The arrest comes less than a week after the FBI added Ereg to its Most Wanted Fraudsters list, which was announced June 4 as part of the Trump administration's broader effort to combat fraud.
“Mr. Ereg is the first fraudster on that list to be taken into custody,” FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dotson said during a press conference on Wednesday. “The FBI and our partners . . . will continue to leverage all resources to track down, arrest and prosecute fraud actors at every level and anywhere.”
Dotson added that authorities in Kenya, Somalia and the United Kingdom assisted with Ereg's surrender, working alongside FBI legal attachés and federal law enforcement agencies.
A federal arrest warrant had been issued for Ereg when he was first charged, but authorities said his exact whereabouts were unknown while he was living overseas. According to the Justice Department, Ereg contacted authorities through legal counsel one day after being placed on the list and expressed a desire to return to the United States.
He surrendered Wednesday after arriving in Minneapolis.
“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,” said HSI Minneapolis/St. Paul Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy. “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.”
FBI Director Kash Patel applauded the arrest on social media, noting it was the first apprehension since the list was launched.
“This historic result is only the beginning,” Patel said. “Let it be a message to any fraudster who takes advantage of America, this team will find you.”
The Feeding Our Future case has been described by federal officials as one of the largest pandemic-era fraud schemes in the country, siphoning off more than $250 million. Dozens have been charged in connection with the scheme, including Ereg's wife, Najmo Ahmed. Ahmed pleaded guilty in February 2025 to one count of money laundering connected to the scheme and is scheduled to be sentenced June 15.
Patel indicated authorities expect additional arrests.
“More to come,” Patel promised.
