A Minnesota man accused in a multimillion-dollar scheme to divert federal child nutrition funds was captured abroad after fleeing the United States, and federal officials say the arrest exposes a sprawling network of fraud and bribery tied to the Feeding Our Future program.
Authorities arrested Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh, 42, of Burnsville, Minnesota, this week in Mogadishu, Somalia, after he allegedly tried to avoid prosecution for his role in a large child nutrition fraud. Eidleh is accused of helping orchestrate the Feeding Our Future scheme, which prosecutors say siphoned federal money intended to feed children. Investigators say he fled the country rather than face charges in U.S. courts.
The original indictment, returned September 13, 2022, lays out 31 counts that include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery, federal programs bribery, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. Court filings allege Eidleh played an active role recruiting and supporting sites sponsored by Feeding Our Future that were part of the fraud. Prosecutors contend those sites were often sham operations set up to collect federal reimbursements for meals that were never properly provided.
“This defendant was a central figure in one of the largest fraud schemes in Minnesota history,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “He not only stole taxpayer dollars, but he also robbed vulnerable children of critical resources they desperately needed. Rather than answer for his crimes in the United States, he fled to Somalia in a futile attempt to evade justice. That attempt ended thanks to the exceptional work of our FBI partners. The Department of Justice will continue to track down and prosecute fraudsters wherever they run and wherever they hide.”
Court documents describe Eidleh as an employee of Feeding Our Future who recruited and supported operators of Federal Child Nutrition Program sites under the organization’s sponsorship. The indictment alleges that he and other employees solicited bribes and kickbacks from companies and individuals seeking approval to operate meal sites. Prosecutors say the scheme operated as pay to play, with illicit proceeds laundered through shell companies and disguised as consulting fees.
According to the filings, Eidleh is accused of creating Federal Child Nutrition Program sites in the names of nominee owners and falsely claiming that those sites were feeding thousands of children each day. The indictment asserts he set up shell companies to pose as meal vendors, then submitted fraudulent invoices to obtain federal reimbursements. Those invoices allegedly allowed him to move and hide proceeds from the program.
https://x.com/FBIMinneapolis/status/2070609439824949506
“Eidleh’s capture shows that, if you commit fraud against the American taxpayer, and try hiding across the globe, the long arm of justice will find you,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. “We salute the FBI’s work in finding Eidleh, and are grateful to all our federal and international partners that help us hold accountable those who defraud our government.”
Officials say Eidleh deposited more than $5 million in kickbacks, bribes, and other fraud proceeds into accounts tied to his shell companies, using those accounts to conceal the origin of the funds. Prosecutors describe coordinated steps to move money and obscure transactions that should have been subject to federal program oversight. Those transactions and corporate structures are central to the money laundering charges in the indictment.
“With the apprehension of Abdikerm Eidleh, the FBI’s partnerships with law enforcement worldwide again send a message—the FBI’s reach is far and wide; we will track down and bring to justice any fugitive, from anywhere,” said FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson. “According to the indictment, Eidleh’s alleged fraud took millions of dollars from programs designed for children and families in need. When the alleged fraud was uncovered, he unwisely tried to hide from justice on the other side of the world. The FBI and our partners will shine a light on fraudsters wherever they may try to hide. The FBI extends its sincere appreciation to the National Intelligence and Security Agency of Somalia for their outstanding partnership in locating and apprehending Eidleh so he may be brought to justice.”
Postal inspectors also weighed in on the case, stressing the broader impact of schemes that exploit federal programs. “Every dollar stolen from the pockets of hardworking Americans emphasizes the Postal Inspection Service’s commitment to protecting our communities,” said Bryan Musgrove, Inspector in Charge, Denver Division. “This arrest shows that criminals who abuse the financial system and exploit innocent people for their own gain will not escape their day in court. They are not above the law. Postal inspectors continue to be relentless in their pursuit of justice.”
Federal investigators say the probe involved multiple agencies, including the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca E. Kline, Matthew C. Murphy, and Austin Bowyer are listed as prosecutors handling the cases. The joint effort reflects an emphasis on coordinated federal enforcement against program fraud.
The Department of Justice recently stood up a National Fraud Enforcement Division to focus on large-scale fraud against American programs, and prosecutors tied that initiative to broader efforts to reduce waste and abuse in federal benefits. The department has highlighted whole-of-government steps to pursue fraudsters and to recover funds diverted from programs intended to serve vulnerable people. The arrest of an alleged organizer who fled overseas underscores those aims and the cross-border work required to bring suspects to justice.
