Alleged $32M COVID Fraud Fugitive Apprehended in Jamaica

A woman accused of orchestrating a massive fraud scheme involving over $32 million in COVID-19 relief funds has been apprehended in Jamaica and returned to the United States to face charges. Elaine Angene Escoe, 41, was brought back to South Florida on Thursday following an international manhunt that culminated in her arrest by Jamaican authorities.

Fugitive Captured After International Manhunt

Escoe had been living under the alias “Harley Newman” while attempting to evade a federal indictment handed down in 2025. The charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and multiple counts of money laundering. Prosecutors allege that Escoe played a key role in fraudulently acquiring more than $32 million in taxpayer-funded pandemic relief money before disappearing ahead of a scheduled court appearance.

A federal judge had issued an arrest warrant for Escoe after she failed to appear in court in May 2025. Authorities believe she fled the country shortly thereafter, eventually making her way to Jamaica. The FBI’s successful location and apprehension of Escoe reportedly stemmed from a tip received by the agency.

Justice Department Vows to Pursue Fraudsters

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the significance of Escoe’s capture, stating, “Elaine Angene Escoe’s arrest and return to the United States demonstrates that no one is beyond the reach of American justice.” He further asserted that the Justice Department remains committed to prosecuting individuals who exploit taxpayer-funded programs, particularly those designed to aid citizens during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Escoe is accused of participating in a multimillion-dollar scheme to defraud taxpayer-funded COVID-19 relief programs,” Blanche said. “The Justice Department will continue prosecuting those who steal from the American people.”

Part of a Broader FBI Crackdown

FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted Escoe’s apprehension as another success in the bureau’s ongoing international efforts to combat fraud. He noted that Escoe is the fourth alleged “Most Wanted Fraudster” to be captured and returned to the U.S. within the past five weeks, underscoring a significant international fraud crackdown. Patel stated that the FBI has successfully returned over 30 high-value fugitives to the United States since June.

“The historic success of the ‘Most Wanted Fraudster’ list continues as the FBI and our partners just captured our fourth Most Wanted Fraudster in 5 weeks, and yet another high value target returned to the U.S. by this FBI,” Patel remarked. “Elaine Angene Escoe, on the run since May 2025, was captured in Jamaica while living under a fake identity of ‘Harley Newman’ — and returned to the United States today to face justice.”

Patel elaborated that Escoe is charged with involvement in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, linked to the fraudulent acquisition of over $32 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds. He also pointed out that the four alleged fraud suspects apprehended in the last five weeks are collectively accused of nearly $1.8 billion in fraud, having evaded capture for a combined total of over 3,500 days across three continents.

International Cooperation Key to Apprehension

The successful operation involved a coordinated effort between multiple U.S. agencies and international partners. The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, Jamaican law enforcement, and the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office all played crucial roles in Escoe’s apprehension and subsequent return to the United States. This multi-agency collaboration was instrumental in bringing Escoe back to American soil to answer for the charges against her.

“Under this administration, fraud is no longer tolerated — and those who steal from American taxpayers have nowhere to hide,” Patel concluded, reinforcing the government’s stance against financial crimes impacting public funds.