Fugitive Turns Himself in for $4 Million Fraud Scheme

The Department of Justice has reported that a man on the FBI’s “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list has surrendered to authorities in Minnesota. This follows his alleged involvement in a scheme that exploited federal child nutrition programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, amounting to $4 million.

According to a DOJ statement issued on Wednesday, Abdullahi Eleg was accused of plotting to misappropriate and launder funds intended for feeding children. Instead of helping those in need, prosecutors claim he used the money to support a lavish lifestyle.

Eleg operates a grocery store and deli in Minneapolis and was affiliated with the nonprofit organization, Feeding Our Future. He was first targeted with a federal arrest warrant on January 24, 2024, and a federal grand jury officially indicted him on June 24, 2024, accusing him of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

Prosecutors alleged that Eleg falsely claimed to have provided over 1.4 million meals, managing to receive upwards of $4.2 million in federal funds.

“Evergreen Grocery and Deli at times claimed to have served more than 3,000 meals twice a day, seven days a week,” the statement noted.

On June 4, 2026, Eleg was officially added to the FBI’s “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list, which currently includes seven individuals. The following day, he reached out to federal authorities via his lawyer, indicating his intention to return to the U.S. from Kenya, and law enforcement facilitated his return.

Eleg surrendered without incident to FBI agents in Minneapolis after negotiations with his lawyer. FBI Director Kash Patel described the coordinated surrender as a “historic” event.

“Today’s arrest is historic. It is the first arrest in history of a person on the Most Wanted Fraud List released last week by the White House Task Force to Combat Fraud,” Patel stated.

As part of a wider initiative against fraud, Vice President J.D. Vance is urging the Justice Department to probe Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison for their roles in preventing fraud.

“The Department’s efforts to combat fraud are in support of President Trump’s Anti-Fraud Task Force, chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance,” said the Minnesota Attorney’s Office.

Meanwhile, both Walz and Ellison have maintained that Minnesota is cooperating with federal investigations and are committed to holding those responsible accountable.

FBI Director Kash Patel remarked on social media that this incident is just the beginning, showcasing the ongoing efforts against fraud.