FBI Pursues Suspect in Massive COVID Aid Scheme

Clear Facts

• The FBI is searching for Elaine Angene Escoe, a Jamaican national, accused of participating in a $34 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme.
• Escoe is charged with multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, after allegedly failing to appear in court on June 5.
• The FBI claims Escoe’s group submitted over 90 fraudulent applications, resulting in tens of millions in falsely obtained federal pandemic funds.

The FBI has listed Elaine Angene Escoe among its most wanted after she allegedly played a central role in a fraud operation targeting federal COVID-19 relief programs.

According to authorities, the group submitted fake documents to access funds from several programs, including PPP, EIDL, RRF, and SVOG between May 2020 and November 2021.

Elaine Angene Escoe is wanted by the FBI for her alleged involvement in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain over $34 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds between May of 2020, and November of 2021, in… pic.twitter.com/2u6AphVknY

— FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) September 4, 2025

The FBI’s poster states the fraudulent claims exaggerated business information, such as revenues and staff numbers, to secure illegal payouts.

The fraudulent efforts reportedly led to nearly $29.1 million in PPP funds, $1.2 million from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, and $3.8 million from the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant being distributed unlawfully.

The EIDL program provided major sums to help small businesses, but watchdog reports say foreign applicants may have accessed over $1.3 billion in total COVID-19 funding.

“After the funds were disbursed, Escoe and others allegedly directed payments to each other and to businesses they controlled, withdrew large sums in cash, and used blank, signed checks to conceal the origin and nature of the proceeds.”

Escoe was last seen near Palm Beach County, Florida, in early June, and officials are requesting public assistance in her search.

Federal immigration authorities have not disclosed Escoe’s immigration status as of the latest update.

Federal agents remain vigilant in protecting taxpayer resources against pandemic-era fraud.

Stay informed as authorities seek public assistance in upholding accountability and secure handling of American financial aid.

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