A Kenyan man accused of masterminding an $11 million Medicaid fraud scheme in Minnesota is now on the run after failing to attend a scheduled court appearance, triggering a nationwide arrest warrant and renewed scrutiny over enforcement gaps in major financial crime cases.
Abdirashid Ismail Said, 50, did not show up for a pretrial hearing in Hennepin County this week, leading to the forfeiture of his $150,000 bond and prompting authorities to escalate efforts to trace his whereabouts.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison confirmed that Said is actively being sought, saying his office is working with federal agencies to ensure he is brought before the court.
“A warrant has been issued for Said’s arrest after he failed to appear for a pretrial hearing,” Ellison said, adding: “My Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is working with federal law enforcement to locate Said and ensure he faces justice for the fraud he committed. This is a deeply frustrating setback. However, I remain committed to doing everything I can to hold Said and other Medicaid fraudsters accountable.’
Prosecutors allege Said ran a multi-year scheme between 2019 and 2023 involving several Medicaid-funded home healthcare agencies, despite a prior conviction that had already barred him from participating in such programmes.
Authorities say the alleged operation relied on false and inflated billing, including claims for services that were never delivered, improperly documented, or entirely ineligible for reimbursement.
Investigators estimate that fraudulent claims reached nearly $11 million, with significant portions tied to falsified paperwork and billing for non-existent or unverified care services.
Court records show Said was previously convicted of Medicaid fraud in 2022, ordered to pay $77,000, and banned from working with Medicaid-funded agencies – restrictions prosecutors now say he violated.
Prosecutors had earlier raised concerns that Said could flee, citing his international family connections. He had been released on an unconditional bond that allowed him to retain his passport.
The development has intensified debate in Minnesota over oversight of public funds, coming amid broader fraud investigations including the “Feeding our Future” case, which involved hundreds of millions of dollars in alleged fake meal programme claims.
State officials are now facing increased pressure to strengthen safeguards in taxpayer-funded welfare systems as multiple large-scale fraud cases continue to emerge.
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