U.S. authorities have arrested Abdikerm Eidleh, an alleged key figure in the $250 million Feeding Our Future fraud case, after more than four years on the run. Federal officials said the 42-year-old was taken into custody in Mogadishu, Somalia, following a raid involving FBI agents and Somali intelligence officials.
Arrest Linked to 2022 Indictment
Eidleh’s arrest follows a September 22, 2022, indictment that named him as an alleged leader in the pandemic-era fraud scheme. The indictment includes 31 counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery, bribery, conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering.
FCRF’s Flagship Cyber Law Certification Returns With a New Four-Week Cohort
Prosecutors allege that Eidleh played a central role in the scheme, which diverted federal child nutrition funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is accused of convincing restaurants and caterers to overstate receipts submitted to the Minnesota Department of Education for reimbursement.
Investigators have alleged that Eidleh personally collected $5 million in bribes and payments. U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Daniel Rosen told CBS News that Eidleh was a key leader responsible for bribing and recruiting businesses to steal from taxpayers.
Fraud Scheme Targeted Meal Funds
According to prosecutors, Eidleh worked for Feeding Our Future and was responsible for recruiting participants. The indictment describes the scheme as a “pay-to-play” operation in which operators of fraudulent meal distribution sites allegedly funnelled proceeds to employees of the organisation.
The payments were allegedly disguised as consulting fees and billed to shell companies. Prosecutors also claim that Eidleh operated his own fraudulent site and falsely claimed he served meals to thousands of children every day.
The alleged ringleader, Aimee Bock, has been convicted and sentenced to more than 40 years in prison. Prosecutors have charged 79 people in the case, and 66 have either been convicted or entered guilty pleas.
Wider Fraud Probes Continue
Officials said the Feeding Our Future case is one of the largest fraud schemes in Minnesota history. Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald said the defendant was a central figure in the case and accused him of stealing taxpayer dollars meant for vulnerable children.
Dozens of people charged in the scheme have also faced separate allegations in Minnesota involving fraudulent activity linked to the state’s social service programmes. Rosen told CBS News that the total amount stolen in related fraud cases could exceed $1 billion.
Authorities said the investigation is continuing as prosecutors seek to protect public funds and pursue others linked to the wider fraud network.
