FBI Captures Pandemic Fraud Suspect Ereg, First on New List

A fugitive wanted in connection with one of the largest pandemic-era fraud schemes in U.S. history has surrendered to federal authorities. Said Abdullahi Ereg, 47, turned himself in to FBI agents at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

Ereg, a former owner of Evergreen Grocery and Deli in south Minneapolis, faces federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. He was indicted on June 24, 2024, but had been living overseas and could not be located by authorities until recently.

According to court documents, Ereg is accused of exploiting the Federal Child Nutrition Program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prosecutors allege that from approximately April 2020 to April 2021, his business, which operated under the sponsorship of the nonprofit Feeding Our Future, submitted false reimbursement claims. The deli claimed to have served more than 3,000 meals twice a day, seven days a week, leading to the receipt of over $4.2 million in federal funds intended to feed children in need. Authorities allege the money was misappropriated and laundered, with some funds transferred to foreign accounts to support a lavish lifestyle.