Mogadishu (WDN) – In a major breakthrough for international law enforcement cooperation, Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has arrested Abdikarim Eidleh, a fugitive accused by U.S. authorities of playing a central role in the multi-million-dollar Feeding Our Future fraud scandal—one of the largest COVID-19 relief fraud schemes in American history.
The Office of the United States Attorney confirmed that Eidleh was apprehended in Mogadishu following a joint effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), underscoring the growing security cooperation between the two countries.
Eidleh, 42, is accused of serving as a key associate of Aimee Bock, the founder of the nonprofit organization Feeding Our Future, which U.S. prosecutors allege orchestrated a massive scheme to defraud the federal government of hundreds of millions of dollars through programs intended to feed children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to U.S. prosecutors, Eidleh helped establish a network of fraudulent companies and fictitious meal distribution sites, falsely claiming that thousands of children were being fed every day. Those fabricated claims allegedly enabled conspirators to obtain millions of dollars in federal reimbursements for meals that were never prepared or served.
Investigators believe Eidleh fled the United States before the government’s investigation became public, spending years in hiding in Africa while American authorities continued their efforts to locate him. His capture marks a significant milestone in the long-running investigation. U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen hailed the arrest as a clear demonstration that individuals accused of defrauding American taxpayers cannot evade justice by fleeing overseas.
“Today’s arrest sends a powerful message,” Rosen said, “that those who steal from public programs and exploit vulnerable communities will be pursued wherever they attempt to hide.” The FBI also praised Somalia’s intelligence service for its decisive role in locating and apprehending the suspect, expressing appreciation to NISA for its close cooperation in bringing one of the case’s alleged key figures into custody.
The arrest represents another example of Somalia’s increasing engagement in international law enforcement operations, as its security agencies expand cooperation with global partners in pursuing suspects linked to transnational crimes.
For investigators, Eidleh’s capture is expected to strengthen one of the largest fraud prosecutions in recent U.S. history. For Somalia, it showcases NISA’s growing operational capability and its willingness to collaborate with international partners in bringing high-profile fugitives to justice.
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