Minnesota Fraud Orchestrator Arrested in Somalia After Siphoning $250 Million From Federal Nutrition Programs

Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh, 42, was taken into custody in Somalia on June 26 for orchestrating the largest pandemic-era federal nutrition fraud in the U.S. Prosecutors allege he siphoned over $250 million from the USDA's child and adult food programs between 2020 and 2022 by claiming reimbursements for meals never served. Eidleh deposited $5 million in fraud proceeds into shell company accounts. His arrest abroad complicates extradition: Somalia has no formal treaty with the U.S., making transfer uncertain.