dailyloe.com – Authorities are searching for a Minnesota man accused of leading a massive Medicaid fraud scheme. Abdirashid Ismail Said, 50, failed to appear for a court hearing on Wednesday, April 8. His absence forfeited a $150,000 bond and canceled a jury trial set for the following week. A warrant has now been issued for his arrest.
Said is one of three people facing theft by swindle charges. The alleged fraud took place from May 2019 to May 2023. Investigators say the scheme defrauded Minnesota taxpayers out of nearly $11 million. The Minnesota Attorney General’s office is leading the prosecution.
Court records show Said avoided surrendering his passport by paying an unconditional bond. That bond amount was set at $150,000. A conditional bond requiring passport surrender was set at $50,000. Investigators had expressed concern about his potential to flee.
A criminal complaint highlighted Said’s significant family ties outside the United States. Investigators noted he has a wife and child in Nairobi, Kenya. The filing detective wrote about the risk of Said fleeing the jurisdiction. The nature and severity of the charges contributed to this concern.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a statement on the case. Ellison confirmed a warrant was issued after Said missed his pre-trial hearing. His Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is working with federal law enforcement to locate Said. Ellison stated they aim to ensure Said faces justice for the alleged fraud.
The Attorney General called this development a deeply frustrating setback. He reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing the case. The statement emphasized continuing efforts to hold those accountable for defrauding Medicaid. The search for Said is ongoing.[]
Source: FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul
