Less than a week after the FBI unveiled its new “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list, federal agents have made their first arrest. The suspect, a Minnesota businessman accused of stealing millions from a federal child nutrition program during the pandemic, has now surrendered to authorities, marking an early victory for the Justice Department’s nationwide anti-fraud crackdown.
Federal authorities announced that Said Abdullahi Ereg, a former grocery and deli owner from Minneapolis, has surrendered to law enforcement after being named on the FBI’s newly launched “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list. The arrest is being described by officials as the first major success linked to the new initiative.
Ereg, 47, faces federal charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors allege he fraudulently obtained more than $4.2 million from the Federal Child Nutrition Program, a government initiative intended to provide meals to children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to court filings, Ereg operated Evergreen Grocery and Deli in south Minneapolis under the sponsorship of the nonprofit organization Feeding Our Future, which became the center of what prosecutors have described as one of the largest pandemic-related fraud schemes in U.S. history.
Investigators claim Ereg submitted false claims stating that his business was serving thousands of meals to children every day.
Court documents allege Evergreen Grocery and Deli reported serving more than 3,000 meals twice daily, seven days a week, allowing the business to receive millions of dollars in federal reimbursements. Prosecutors contend those claims were fraudulent and that portions of the money were laundered through foreign accounts and used for personal expenses.
The FBI had listed Ereg among the first individuals featured on its new “Most Wanted Fraudsters” program, which publicly identifies suspects accused of major financial crimes and offers rewards for information leading to their arrest. Before his surrender, authorities had been searching for him since 2024.
The arrest sends a clear message from federal authorities: major fraud suspects who disappear after being charged remain a top priority, regardless of how much time has passed.
FBI Director Kash Patel called the arrest “historic,” emphasizing that Ereg became the first person taken into custody from the newly established fraudsters list. Patel also indicated that investigators expect additional arrests as the nationwide crackdown continues.
Federal officials said Ereg ultimately contacted authorities through his attorney shortly after the list was launched and indicated a willingness to return to the United States. He later traveled back and surrendered to law enforcement upon arrival in Minneapolis.
The case also extends beyond Ereg himself.
His wife, Najmo Ahmed, previously pleaded guilty to money laundering charges connected to the scheme and is awaiting sentencing. Prosecutors allege she received payroll payments linked to the fraudulent operation and helped move funds obtained through the program.
The arrest comes as the Justice Department expands efforts to pursue large scale fraud cases involving government programs. Officials say the FBI’s “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list is intended to focus public attention on individuals accused of stealing significant amounts of taxpayer money through fraud schemes.
For federal investigators, Ereg’s surrender represents more than just a single arrest.
It is the first test of a new strategy aimed at publicly identifying alleged fraud fugitives and increasing pressure on suspects who remain on the run. And judging by the speed of this first arrest, authorities believe more names on the list could soon find themselves facing the same outcome.
