‘Most Wanted’ Minnesota Fraudster Surrenders To FBI In Million-Dollar Meals Scheme
Said Abdullahi Ereg, a fugitive wanted in connection with a massive pandemic fraud scheme, surrendered peacefully to FBI agents at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport this afternoon. United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced the surrender, bringing Ereg back to face charges from a June 2024 indictment that include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.
According to court documents, Ereg is accused of exploiting the Federal Child Nutrition Program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities say he misappropriated and laundered millions of dollars in federal funds that were intended to feed children in need. The Minnesota Department of Education administers the federal program at the state level.
During the pandemic, Ereg owned and operated Evergreen Grocery and Deli in Minneapolis. The for-profit business participated in the nutrition program under the sponsorship of the nonprofit group Feeding Our Future. Between April 2020 and April 2021, the deli claimed to serve more than 3,000 meals twice a day, seven days a week. Prosecutors allege Ereg defrauded the program by submitting false reimbursement claims, resulting in him receiving over $4.2 million.
His wife, Najmo Ahmed, also worked at the business and received payroll checks directly from Feeding Our Future. She pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering on February 24, 2025. United States District Court Judge Nancy E. Brasel is scheduled to sentence Ahmed on June 15, 2026.
When Ereg was initially charged, a federal arrest warrant was issued, but authorities could not locate him because he was living overseas. His exact whereabouts remained unknown until recently. On June 4, 2026, the FBI officially launched its Most Wanted Fraudsters List and publicly named Ereg as a fugitive. The very next day, Ereg’s lawyer contacted authorities to communicate his client’s desire to return to the United States.
The arrest follows a broader federal crackdown on financial crimes. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division to investigate and prosecute people who defraud the public. This division supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government initiative chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance that targets waste and abuse in federal benefit programs.
“Today’s apprehension of Said Abdullahi Ereg, a fugitive on the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters List, highlights the collective commitment of the DOJ, FBI, IRS, and USPIS, along with our USAO to bring every alleged fraudster to justice,” said FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson. “Ereg was one of eight fugitives added to the FBI’s newly announced fraud list just six days ago and is the first to be taken into custody to face charges for his alleged actions.”
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) also played a role in the apprehension. HSI Minneapolis/St. Paul Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy stated that the agency was proud to assist the Department of Justice in the surrender of a suspect accused of betraying the public trust.
“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,” 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.”
The ongoing case is the result of a joint investigation by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.