Man Surrenders for Role in Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme

MINNEAPOLIS - Today, United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced that Said Abdullahi Ereg surrendered peacefully to the FBI. He was indicted on June 24, 2024, for his role in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.

According to court documents, Ereg exploited the Federal Child Nutrition Program during the COVID-19 pandemic and was involved in obtaining, misappropriating, and laundering millions of dollars in program funds that were meant to feed children in need. He ran a grocery and deli in Minneapolis and was under the sponsorship of the nonprofit, Feeding Our Future. A federal arrest warrant was issued for Ereg after he was charged, but he was not arrested as he was living overseas and his exact whereabouts were unknown.

The Federal Child Nutrition Program operates throughout the United States and administers the programs at the national and regional levels by distributing federal funds to state governments, which provide oversight over the Federal Child Nutrition Program. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) administered the program in the state. According to court documents, Ereg owned and operated Evergreen Grocery and Deli, a for-profit business that participated in the Federal Child Nutrition Program under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future. From approximately April 2020 to April 2021, Ereg is alleged to have defrauded the program by submitting false reimbursement claims, for which he received more than $4.2 million in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. At times, Evergreen Grocery and Deli claimed to have served more than 3,000 meals, twice a day, seven days a week. Ereg's wife, Najmo Ahmed, also worked at the business and received payroll payments directly from Feeding Our Future. Ahmed pleaded guilty on February 24, 2025, to one count of money laundering. She is scheduled to be sentenced on June 15, 2026, by United States District Court Judge Nancy E. Brasel.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division ('Fraud Division'). The Fraud Division is focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department's work to combat fraud supports President Trump's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

On June 4, 2026, the FBI announced the launch of its Most Wanted Fraudsters List, publicly identifying Ereg as a fugitive from justice. The next day, Ereg communicated through counsel his desire to return to the United States. He surrendered to FBI agents at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport earlier this afternoon.

"Today's apprehension of Said Abdullahi Ereg, a fugitive on the FBI's Most Wanted Fraudsters List, highlights the collective commitment of the DOJ, FBI, IRS, and USPIS, along with our USAO to bring every alleged fraudster to justice. 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 taken into custody to face charges for his alleged actions," said FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson.

"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."

The case is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS - Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca Kline, Matthew Murphy, and Austin Bowyer are prosecuting the case.