Sh1.4bn Minnesota Fraud Case: Suspect with Kenya Links Goes Missing

Authorities in Minnesota are searching for Abdirashid Ismail Said after he failed to attend a pretrial hearing in a major Medicaid fraud case.

A nationwide arrest warrant has been issued and his $150,000 bond has been forfeited. Said, 50, is accused of leading a scheme that allegedly took more than $11 million (Sh1.4 billion) from the state’s Medicaid programme through false billing.

Prosecutors say he and his associates overbilled, submitted duplicate claims, and charged for services that were not provided. He faces ten felony counts, including theft by swindle and racketeering, each carrying potential sentences of up to 20 years, as well as a perjury charge that could add a further five years.

Court filings had previously raised concerns that Said might flee. Investigators cited his international connections and the seriousness of the charges as key risk factors. His bond conditions did not restrict travel, and he was allowed to keep his passport.

Authorities now believe he may have travelled to Kenya, where his family lives.
Minnesota Attorney-General Keith Ellison said efforts to locate Said are ongoing. He confirmed that state officials are working with federal agencies to determine Said’s whereabouts and bring him back to face trial.

This is not Said’s first conviction related to Medicaid fraud. In 2022, he was ordered to repay $77,000 (Sh10 million) and barred from running health agencies funded by the programme. His involvement in a new case has raised concerns about oversight and enforcement.

The case comes amid wider scrutiny of fraud in Minnesota following the Feeding Our Future scandal, which involved the misuse of funds intended for child nutrition programmes during the pandemic.

These developments have increased pressure on Governor Tim Walz and state authorities to strengthen safeguards against fraud.