Abdikerm Eidleh Arrested in Somalia Over $250 Million Minnesota fraud
Federal authorities have arrested Abdikerm Eidleh, an alleged leader of the massive $250 million Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, after more than 4 years on the run.
Eidleh, 42, was taken into custody on Thursday during a joint operation by the FBI and Somali intelligence officials in Mogadishu, Somalia. He was indicted in September 2022 for his alleged role in one of the largest COVID-19 pandemic fraud cases in U.S. history.
According to federal prosecutors, Eidleh worked closely with Aimee Bock, who was recently sentenced to more than 40 years in prison after being convicted of leading the fraud scheme.
Investigators allege that Eidleh received around $5 million in bribes and kickbacks by helping restaurants and catering businesses submit false reimbursement claims for government-funded meal programs during the pandemic.
He faces multiple charges, including wire fraud, conspiracy, money laundering, and federal programs bribery.
U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen described Eidleh as a key figure in the operation, while FBI officials said the arrest shows that fugitives cannot avoid justice by fleeing overseas.
So far, 79 people have been charged in connection with the Feeding Our Future investigation, and 66 have either pleaded guilty or been convicted. Prosecutors say the investigation into fraud involving taxpayer-funded programs is continuing.