Somalia Fraud Arrest
US Authorities Arrest Key Figure in $250 Million Minnesota Child Nutrition Fraud Scheme in Somalia
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A key suspect in the largest pandemic-relief fraud in U.S. history was arrested in Mogadishu, Somalia, on June 25, 2026 — nearly four years after he fled the country. Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh, described by the FBI as the "number two guy" in the $300 million Feeding Our Future scheme, was taken into custody in a coordinated raid by the FBI and Somali intelligence agents, CBS News reported.
U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced the arrest the following day, warning would-be fugitives: "If you commit fraud against the American taxpayer and try hiding across the globe, the long arm of justice will find you." Eidleh now faces federal fraud and money laundering charges. Prosecutors say he pocketed more than $5 million in kickbacks through shell company bank accounts.
How Eidleh Helped Build a $300 Million Fraud Network
Feeding Our Future was founded in 2016 by Aimee Bock as a nonprofit to feed low-income children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, federal oversight of the child nutrition program was relaxed. Bock, Eidleh, and dozens of others exploited that opening. Between March 2020 and November 2021, they claimed reimbursement for millions of meals that were never served, according to Mahoning Matters.
Eidleh's role was to recruit fake food sites into the program. Prosecutors say he ran a "pay-to-play" bribe network, signing up shell businesses and collecting kickbacks in return. One co-conspirator, Salim Said, co-owner of Safari Restaurant, allegedly claimed to be serving 5,000 children per day within weeks of joining. The Department of Justice has called the scheme the largest pandemic-relief fraud in American history.
Eidleh Fled After Indictment, Hid in Somalia for Four Years
A federal grand jury indicted 47 people, including Eidleh, on September 13, 2022. The FBI raided Feeding Our Future's headquarters in January of that year. Eidleh disappeared shortly after the charges were filed. He spent close to four years evading arrest before the FBI tracked him to Mogadishu, according to The Daily Item.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dotson coordinated the international effort. He sent a clear message after the arrest: "Somalia is not the safe haven you may think it is." U.S. officials are now pursuing Eidleh's extradition back to Minnesota to face trial.
Ringleader Bock Gets 41 Years, Plans to Fight Conviction
Aimee Bock, the scheme's convicted ringleader, was sentenced to 500 months — about 41.5 years — in federal prison on May 21, 2026. A judge also ordered her to pay $243 million in restitution. The DOJ called her the "architect" of the fraud. Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald said Eidleh "not only stole taxpayer dollars but robbed vulnerable children of critical resources," according to The State.
Bock has pushed back on the "architect" label. Her legal team argues she was a "gatekeeper" who failed, not the mastermind of a criminal conspiracy. On June 16, 2026, she filed a formal appeal of her conviction and sentence. Her attorney has called the 40-year term unprecedented for a white-collar case. Bock has also said employees like Eidleh took advantage of her.
79 Charged, 66 Convicted — and Bigger Fallout Still Unfolding
To date, 79 individuals have been charged in the case. There have been 66 convictions, including 56 guilty pleas. Minnesota's state government has faced sharp criticism over the scandal. A 180-page report from the state's Office of the Legislative Auditor found that the Minnesota Department of Education's oversight was "inadequate." Auditors said the department missed red flags as early as 2018, according to Union Bulletin.
The fallout has reached beyond courtrooms. Minnesota created a new independent Office of Inspector General in 2026 to fight social service fraud. Meanwhile, Eidleh's arrest is expected to trigger new trials and possible plea deals. If he cooperates with prosecutors, investigators say his testimony could expose others who have not yet been charged.
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