DOJ's 1st 'Most Wanted Fraudster' arrested by the FBI
ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • • nation
Key Points:
- Said Abdullahi Ereg, the Justice Department's first "Most Wanted Fraudster," surrendered to authorities in Minneapolis for allegedly stealing $4 million from the Federal Child Nutrition Program during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Ereg is accused of using government funds intended for feeding children in need to finance a lavish lifestyle, despite claiming to have served over 1.4 million meals through his grocery store and deli.
- The program was sponsored by Feeding Our Future, a Minnesota nonprofit, and Ereg received $4.2 million in payments before being charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering in 2024.
- FBI Director Kash Patel called the arrest historic as it marks the first apprehension from the newly released "Most Wanted Fraudsters" list created by the White House Task Force to combat fraud.
- The list and related fraud charges were announced last week by federal officials, including acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, during an event in Ohio.