Kash Patel Announces First Arrest From FBI’s New ‘Most Wanted Fraudsters’ List
FBI Director Kash Patel announced Wednesday that federal authorities have secured the first arrest tied to the bureau’s newly launched “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list, marking an early victory in the Trump administration’s escalating campaign against government fraud.
Said Abdullahi Ereg, a former Minneapolis grocery store owner, surrendered to federal authorities as the Department of Justice moves to crack down on large-scale schemes that allegedly drained taxpayer-funded programs during the COVID-19 era.
Patel Announces Historic Arrest
Ereg, 47, is facing federal charges that include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.
His surrender came less than a week after the Justice Department rolled out the new fraudsters list, a public-facing effort designed to spotlight individuals charged in some of the nation’s most serious fraud cases.
“Today’s arrest is historic – the first ever arrest of a subject on our Most Wanted Fraudsters List released last week with the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud,” Patel said.
According to authorities, Ereg reached out through his attorney just one day after the list was made public.
Alleged $4.2 Million COVID-Era Fraud Scheme
Ereg had been wanted on federal charges since 2024.
Federal prosecutors allege that he fraudulently obtained more than $4.2 million from the Federal Child Nutrition Program during the COVID-19 pandemic, using a program intended to help feed children in need.
Ereg operated Evergreen Grocery and Deli under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future, a nonprofit that has been at the center of a sweeping fraud investigation.
Authorities say Ereg falsely claimed the business was serving meals to children, with court documents alleging the deli reported serving more than 3,000 meals twice per day, seven days a week.
Prosecutors further allege that he laundered the stolen funds through foreign accounts while using the proceeds to support a lavish lifestyle.
Patel Sends Message To Fraudsters
Patel framed the arrest as a clear signal that federal law enforcement is no longer willing to tolerate the abuse of taxpayer-funded programs.
He said the list was created “to bring to justice the alleged worst of the worst who took advantage of American taxpayers and stole public funds.”
“the days of Washington, D.C., turning a blind eye to fraud are over,” he added.
“This historic result is only the beginning — and let it be a message to any fraudster who takes advantage of America, this team will find you,” Patel wrote on X.
The announcement reflects a broader law-and-order push under President Donald J. Trump’s second-term administration, which has emphasized accountability, fiscal discipline, and aggressive enforcement against those accused of exploiting public programs.
Wife Previously Pleaded Guilty
Ereg’s wife, Najmo Ahmed, also worked at the business and received payroll payments from Feeding Our Future.
She pleaded guilty last year to money laundering charges.
Ahmed is scheduled to be sentenced later this month.
The arrest comes after the Justice Department established a National Fraud Enforcement Division, a new unit aimed at strengthening federal efforts to identify, investigate, and prosecute large-scale fraud.
The division supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, led by Vice President JD Vance, as the administration seeks to recover stolen funds and restore public trust in government programs.