Alleged COVID-19 Fraud Suspect Returned to US from Jamaica
Authorities have extradited Elaine Angene Escoe, one of the FBI’s most wanted suspects in a $32 million COVID-19 fraud scheme, back to the United States. Captured in Jamaica, Escoe had been living under a false identity, Harley Newman, to avoid charges connected to pandemic relief fraud.
Extrication and Charges
Escoe, 41, was apprehended by Jamaican authorities following a global manhunt. She arrived in South Florida after prosecutors accused her of illegally obtaining over $32 million in taxpayer-funded COVID-19 relief. Charges against her include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and several counts of money laundering, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
A federal judge issued an arrest warrant for Escoe in May 2025 after she failed to appear in court. After receiving a tip, the FBI located and apprehended her in Jamaica.
Justice Department’s Response
Elaine Angene Escoe’s arrest and return to the United States demonstrates that no one is beyond the reach of American justice,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Blanche emphasized the Justice Department’s commitment to prosecuting those who defraud taxpayer-funded programs.
FBI’s Ongoing Fraud Crackdown
FBI Director Kash Patel described Escoe’s capture as part of the agency’s historic efforts to combat international fraud. She is the fourth high-profile suspect apprehended in recent weeks. In five weeks, the FBI and its partners have captured and returned four of their “Most Wanted Fraudsters,” who collectively face nearly $1.8 billion in fraud charges.
Patel noted that since June, the FBI has successfully brought back over 30 high-value targets to the United States. “Under this administration, fraud is no longer tolerated, and those who steal from American taxpayers have nowhere to hide,” Patel stated.
Coordinated Effort
The extradition involved various agencies, including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, and Jamaican law enforcement, with the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office playing a role in Escoe’s return to the U.S.