The FBI has intensified its nationwide efforts to combat fraud, unveiling a new list of ‘Most Wanted Fraudsters.’ This initiative marks a major step in identifying and capturing individuals involved in significant fraud cases. On Wednesday, FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest of Said Abdullahi Ereg, a former Minneapolis business owner. Ereg is the first person on this new list to be apprehended.
Ereg, 47, faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. Authorities allege his involvement in a scheme defrauding a federal child nutrition program of over $4 million. The Justice Department had previously listed him as wanted on federal charges since 2024. Ereg reportedly misused funds by operating a business called Evergreen Grocery and Deli under the nonprofit sponsorship of Feeding Our Future. Prosecutors claim Ereg falsely reported serving meals to children, obtaining government reimbursements fraudulently, and laundering the proceeds through foreign accounts. Some of the stolen funds allegedly supported a lavish lifestyle.
The ‘Most Wanted Fraudsters’ list serves as a tool to help law enforcement locate fugitives accused of large-scale fraud. According to court documents, Evergreen Grocery and Deli claimed to have provided more than 3,000 meals twice daily, every day of the week. Patel emphasized that the list is a critical measure to hold accountable those who exploit American taxpayers and public funds.
“Led by Vice President Vance and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, we set up the historic, first-ever ‘Most Wanted Fraudsters’ list for this exact purpose,” Patel stated. “The days of Washington turning a blind eye to fraud are over.”
During a Department of Justice news conference, Patel remarked, “This historic result is only the beginning. Let it be a message to any fraudster who takes advantage of America: this team will find you.”
Federal officials reported that Ereg contacted authorities through his attorney, expressing a willingness to return to the U.S. shortly after the FBI launched the ‘Most Wanted Fraudsters’ list. In related developments, Najmo Ahmed, Ereg’s wife, pleaded guilty to money laundering charges. Her sentencing is scheduled for later this month. Ahmed had worked at Ereg’s business and received payments directly from Feeding Our Future.
The arrest is part of broader efforts by the Justice Department, which recently established a National Fraud Enforcement Division. This division supports President Donald Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, led by Vice President J.D. Vance. The task force has been actively identifying potentially fraudulent government contracts.