Minnesota Man Arrested in Somalia for $250 Million Federal Food Program Fraud

Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh, 42, was arrested in Somalia on June 26 for orchestrating the largest pandemic-era nutrition fraud against federal programs. He claimed over $250 million in reimbursements for meals never served to the USDA's child and adult food assistance programs between 2020 and 2022. Prosecutors say he funneled $5 million through shell companies. His arrest abroad creates an extradition problem: Somalia lacks a formal treaty with the U.S., leaving his transfer in limbo.