A key suspect in a $250 million welfare fraud case in Minnesota was apprehended in Somalia this week after evading capture for nearly four years, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday. Abdikerm Eidleh, 42, was taken into custody Thursday in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, in connection with the Feeding Our Future scandal, the largest COVID-19 fraud case in the United States.

Eidleh was among the initial individuals indicted in September 2022 on multiple charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery, federal programs bribery, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. The allegations stem from a scheme to divert pandemic relief funds intended for federal nutrition programs aimed at supporting children in need.

Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald, leading efforts against fraud during the Trump administration, described Eidleh as a "central figure in one of the largest fraud schemes in Minnesota history." McDonald emphasized that the defendant’s actions not only defrauded taxpayers but also deprived vulnerable children of essential support during the pandemic.

Authorities have not released details on how the arrest was coordinated with Somali officials or whether Eidleh will be extradited to face trial in the United States. Efforts to recover the misappropriated funds are ongoing as the Department of Justice continues to pursue others allegedly involved in the Feeding Our Future case.