Fugitive in Feeding Our Future Fraud Returned to Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN (MinnesotaNow) - A key figure in Minnesota's Feeding Our Future fraud scheme has been returned to the state for prosecution.

High-Level Defendant in Massive Fraud Scheme Returned to Minnesota

The Office of the U.S. Attorney for Minnesota says 42-year-old Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh arrived in the state on Thursday and is expected to make his first appearance in federal court on Friday. The Burnsville man was taken into custody in Mogadishu, Somalia, late last month.

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“Abdikerm Eidleh is second only to Aimee Bock in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme. His capture and transfer back to Minnesota show how far the arm of American law enforcement can reach, and that you can run, but you cannot hide,” said U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen.

 

Top Assistant to Convicted Ringleader of Fraud Scheme

He is described by prosecutors as one of the orchestrators of the fraud scheme and a top assistant to convicted ringleader Aimee Bock, who was earlier convicted and sentenced to more than 40 years in federal prison. The indictment against Eidleh contains 31 counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery, federal programs bribery, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering.

Sherburne County Jail photo

Accused of Recruiting Co-conspirators

A news release issued by federal prosecutors says Eidleh was an employee of the Feeding Our Future organization and was responsible for recruiting and supporting program sites under Feeding Our Future's sponsorship. It is alleged that he and other employees solicited and received bribes and kickbacks from individuals and organizations seeking approval to operate fraudulent federal child nutrition program sites during the pandemic.

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It is also alleged that Eidleh established his own feeding sites and fraudulently sought reimbursement by claiming to serve meals to thousands of children per day. Federal prosecutors say Eidleh deposited more than $5 million in kickbacks, bribes, and other fraud proceeds into accounts associated with his shell companies.