Minnesota man becomes first arrest from DOJ’s ‘most wanted fraudsters’ list

Just days after the FBI and the Department of Justice released the “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list, an arrest was made of a former Minneapolis grocery store owner.

Said Abdullahi Ereg, 47, surrendered to federal authorities and faces charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. FBI Director Kash Patel noted that the Somali-born Ereg, who has been wanted on federal charges since 2024, “allegedly stole over $4 million from the Federal Child Nutrition Program in Minneapolis during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020-2021.”

“He allegedly falsely claimed to have served meals to children in need, claiming fake reimbursements from the government, and then laundered the money through foreign accounts to fund a lavish lifestyle,” Patel said.

IN CUSTODY: Said Abdullahi Ereg – the FIRST EVER arrest of a “Most Wanted Fraudsters” since the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud released our Most Wanted Fraudsters list last week. Ereg just landed in Minneapolis and was taken into custody after turning himself in. He… pic.twitter.com/Lqs5PG67UU

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) June 10, 2026

“Ereg allegedly transferred most of the money to fund his family’s lavish lifestyle. He also allegedly transferred money to foreign accounts controlled by foreign companies,” the FBI’s list detailed.

Patel called the first arrest of those on the “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list “historic” and added that “this was exactly the righteous goal the Task Force had in mind – to bring to justice all those who have stolen money from hardworking American taxpayers.”

President Donald Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud is led by Vice President J.D. Vance, and the National Fraud Enforcement Division was announced by the DOJ to support the president’s agenda.

.@FBIMinneapolis Special Agent in Charge Chris Dotson spoke at a press conference June 10, 2026, in Minneapolis announcing the arrest of Said Abdullahi Ereg, who was added six days earlier to the newly created Most Wanted Fraudsters list. @WHFraudTF pic.twitter.com/xZC8lxdXlN

— FBI (@FBI) June 10, 2026

Patel warned that the arrest of Ereg should be “a message to any fraudster who takes advantage of America, this team will find you.”

“Today’s apprehension of Said Abdullahi Ereg, a fugitive on the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list, highlights our collective commitment between the DOJ, FBI, IRS, and USPIS, along with our USAO, to bring every alleged fraudster to justice,” FBI Minneapolis SAC Christopher D. Dotson said.

“Ereg was one of eight fugitives added to the FBI’s newly announced fraud list just six days ago and is the first to be captured to face charges for his alleged actions,” he added.

#HappeningNow FBI Most Wanted Fraudster in Custody

Today, #FBIMinneapolis and federal partners announced apprehension of Said Abdullahi Ereg—the first to be taken into custody from the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudster list.

“Today’s apprehension of Said Abdullahi Ereg, a fugitive… pic.twitter.com/oFDOjsyecw

— FBI Minneapolis (@FBIMinneapolis) June 11, 2026

“We are proud to have assisted the Department of Justice in today’s surrender of a suspect accused of betraying the public’s trust and committing crimes against our community’s most vulnerable,” said HSI Minneapolis/St. Paul, Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy. “This case sends a clear message: being outside the United States does not place you beyond the reach of HSI and our law enforcement partners. Our commitment is unwavering: those who exploit programs intended to support children and families will be identified, investigated, and brought to justice here in Minnesota.”

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