The FBI has launched a new Most Wanted Fraudsters list to track down fugitives accused of orchestrating major fraud schemes that stole tens of millions of dollars from taxpayers, investors, and government programs.
"Take a look at all of these individuals, the tens of millions and billions of dollars of fraud that they have decimated our societies from," Patel said during the announcement. He urged the public to submit tips, adding: "There is no piece of bad information; the only bad piece of information is the one you don't give us."
The FBI said its new Most Wanted Fraudsters list aims to raise public awareness of fraud suspects on the run and encourage people to share tips. The bureau noted that citizen recognition has led to arrests in previous Ten Most Wanted Fugitives cases.
Who Are the Most Wanted Fraudsters?
Among the fugitives featured on the list is Michael Lizaso Marasigan, a dual U.S.-Philippines citizen accused of operating an illegal gambling business tied to a scheme that allegedly diverted more than $100 million from a hospital fund intended to benefit the Shriners Children's health care system.Marasigan and co-defendants laundered funds through gambling businesses and shell companies. He is believed to have ties to Guam and the Philippines, according to the FBI.
Rodney Dean Allen, an Idaho investment adviser, is accused of defrauding clients of about $16 million between 2016 and 2017 through investment schemes involving promissory notes and real estate projects. The FBI alleges Allen falsely represented investment performance and diverted investor funds for personal use.
Christopher Burns, a Georgia investment adviser, is wanted on mail fraud charges tied to an alleged $10 million investment fraud scheme. Federal authorities allege Burns promised high returns through short-term loans backed by collateral that was overstated or nonexistent.
“As part of his scheme, Burns allegedly falsely told victims that he was investing their money in a 'peer to peer' lending program in which loans were backed by collateral. In reality, the collateral promised by Burns either did not exist at all or was worth substantially less than Burns represented,” states the FBI.
John Michael Dimitrion and Julieanne Baldueza Dimitrion are wanted after failing to appear for sentencing in a mortgage fraud case. Prosecutors alleged the couple participated in a scheme that targeted distressed homeowners and generated about $6.2 million in fraudulent mortgage-related transactions.
“They promised to invest the proceeds of the home sales, but instead the Dimitrions used the victims' money to fund their own lavish lifestyles. As a result, multiple families in Oahu, Hawaii, lost their homes,” says the FBI.
Said Abdullahi Ereg is accused of exploiting the federal Child Nutrition Program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prosecutors say Ereg ran a grocery and deli in south Minneapolis and, through the nonprofit Feeding Our Future, falsely claimed to serve more than 1.4 million meals to children between April 2020 and April 2021.
The business received over $4.2 million in federal reimbursements for meals that were allegedly never provided. Authorities allege Ereg spent much of the money on a lavish lifestyle and moved funds overseas. He faces federal charges of wire fraud and money laundering. The case is part of the broader Feeding Our Future probe—one of the largest pandemic fraud investigations to date.
Elaine Angene Escoe is accused of participating in a COVID-19 relief fraud scheme that allegedly stole more than $32 million from federal programs. The FBI alleges Escoe and others submitted false applications for Paycheck Protection Program loans and Restaurant Revitalization Fund grants.
Herbert Leon Kimble, a former TV producer, is wanted after skipping sentencing in a Medicare fraud case involving more than $1.2 billion in claims. Prosecutors say Kimble ran a national call-center operation that billed Medicare for unnecessary orthopedic braces and medical equipment.
The scheme affected thousands of beneficiaries. Kimble pleaded guilty in 2019 but failed to appear for sentencing in August 2024, leading to a federal arrest warrant.