The new Department of Justice Team tackling America’s “Most Wanted Fraudsters” has made its first arrest and it’s a big one.

Said Abdullahi Ereg has been arrested after turning himself in, after being wanted on federal charges since 2024.

According FBI chief Kash Patel, “Ereg 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, then laundered the money through foreign accounts to fund a lavish lifestyle.”

He’s facing charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and money laundering.

The White House Taks Force to Eliminate Fraud just released its “most wanted” list a week ago.

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

According to a report at Fox, Ereg formerly ran a Minneapolis grocery and deli store.

The Minneapolit-St. Paul region in Minnesota is, of course, the center for allegations involving billions of dollars in social services program fraud over the last few years, since it erupted during COVID.

Many of the cases involve the huge Somali immigrant community that has established itself in that district, which is represented by Somali immigrant Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat, in Congress.

Already, one fraud agenda, around a program called Feeding our Future, has resulted in dozens of arrests and convictions, and a 41-year prison term for one of the instigators.

“Today’s arrest is historic – the first ever arrest of a subject on our Most Wanted Fraudsters List released last week with the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud,” Patel said in a statement.

According to federal officials, Ereg operated under the sponsorship of the nonprofit Feeding Our Future.

Legal filings claim Ereg alleged to have been serving more than 3,000 meals twice daily, seven days a week.

Patel said, “the days of Washington, D.C., turning a blind eye to fraud are over.”

He warned anyone participating in fraud: “This team will find you.”

The DOJ also noted Ereg’s wife, Najmo Ahmed, worked at the business and received payroll payments directly from Feeding Our Future. She pleaded guilty last year to money laundering charges and is awaiting sentencing.