Alleged Feeding Our Future scheme lieutenant appears in Minnesota federal court
Abdikerm Eidleh, identified by prosecutors as the second-most senior figure in the Feeding Our Future fraud operation, was arraigned in St. Paul after his June arrest in Somalia.
Forty-two-year-old Abdikerm Eidleh made his first appearance before a federal judge in St. Paul on Friday, days after being taken into custody in Mogadishu with assistance from Somali authorities. The FBI says Eidleh fled the United States four years ago following an indictment related to the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, which has been described as a $300 million fraud involving federal nutrition programs.
Prosecutors have charged Eidlee h with 31 counts, including wire fraud, bribery of federal programs and money laundering. During a post-arrest interview, U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen said Eidleh was the scheme’s “No. 2 operator,” second only to Aimee Bock, and alleged that he demanded monthly kickbacks and moved more than $5 million in illicit proceeds through accounts tied to shell companies.
"Mr. Eidleh is one of those big fish. With his arrest now, we can prosecute one of the biggest fish involved in the Feeding Our Future scheme," Rosen said.
The judge denied bail, labeling Eidleh a serious flight risk, and ordered him to remain in detention pending a July 31 arraignment and hearing on his representation. He was escorted by U.S. marshals and seated beside a federal defender who will coordinate his appointment of a public defender.