Sh32 billion Covid relief fraud suspect flown to US as Somalia deepens law enforcement cooperation

The United States has praised the Federal Government of Somalia for its cooperation in law enforcement after a Somali-American man accused of participating in a major Covid-19 relief fraud scheme was transferred to the US to face federal charges.

The remarks were made in a statement posted by the US Embassy in Mogadishu on X after Somali authorities handed over 42-year-old Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh, a Burnsville, Minnesota resident, who was flown to the United States on July 16.

US officials said Eidleh was lawfully surrendered while in Somalia, enabling him to return to the United States to face the charges filed against him.

The embassy said the operation demonstrated the continued cooperation between Somalia and the United States in tackling cross-border crime and ensuring that people accused of serious offences are brought to justice.

“The United States appreciates continued law enforcement cooperation with the Federal Government of Somalia. Recent coordination demonstrates how close partnerships, grounded in respect for each country’s laws and practices, can enhance security, deny safe haven to criminals, and help keep Americans and Somali citizens safe. We hope this cooperation sets a strong standard for future efforts,” the embassy said.

US prosecutors said Eidleh was indicted by a federal grand jury in 2022 on 31 criminal counts linked to an alleged scheme that fraudulently obtained about $250 million in Covid-19 relief funds intended to support child nutrition programmes during the pandemic.

According to court documents, investigators allege that the funds, which were meant to provide meals for children, were diverted through a network involving wire fraud, money laundering, bribery and other financial crimes.

Prosecutors claim those involved submitted false reimbursement claims before moving the money through multiple financial channels as part of the scheme.

The embassy said Eidleh’s transfer underscored the importance of close cooperation between the two countries in preventing suspects from evading justice by crossing international borders. It added that continued coordination between law enforcement agencies strengthens public safety and supports the lawful prosecution of criminal cases.

The case is one of several examples of law enforcement cooperation between Somalia and the United States. The two governments continue to work together on criminal investigations, security matters and counterterrorism operations. US officials have repeatedly said that cooperation with Somali authorities has helped investigate and prosecute crimes that cross national borders.

Although the Somali government has not publicly commented on Eidleh’s transfer, the handover highlights the ongoing law enforcement partnership between Mogadishu and Washington. The two countries continue to cooperate on improving security, supporting investigations and sharing intelligence on transnational crime.

The United States has also continued to support Somalia through security assistance and cooperation with Somali institutions as the country works to strengthen its justice and security sectors. Officials from both governments have previously said that law enforcement cooperation remains a key pillar of the broader bilateral relationship.

Eidleh is expected to appear before a US federal court to answer the charges against him. Under the US legal system, criminal charges are allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.