Archive · 26 Jul 2026
FBI Captures Most Wanted Fraudster in Jamaica
Elaine Angene Escoe, a 41-year-old woman, was arrested in Jamaica and brought back to the United States.
She is accused of stealing over $32 million from government programs meant to help businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.
She and her partners allegedly lied on applications to get this money.
The FBI and other agencies worked together to catch her.
She is the fourth person on the FBI's Most Wanted Fraudster list to be caught in the last five weeks.
Other people involved in the scheme have already been convicted and sentenced to prison.
Elaine Angene Escoe, 41, was arrested in Jamaica and returned to the U.S. for allegedly fraudulently obtaining $32 million in Covid-19 relief funds.
She was indicted in 2025 on charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
Escoe fled to Jamaica after a federal arrest warrant was issued in May 2025.
The FBI, US Marshals Service, and Jamaican authorities collaborated to apprehend her.
She is the fourth suspect on the FBI's Most Wanted Fraudsters List to be captured in five weeks.
- Who
- Elaine Angene Escoe, 41
- What
- Fraudulently obtained $32 million in federal Covid-19 relief funds
- When
- Arrested in 2026, indicted in 2025
- Where
- Arrested in Jamaica, returned to Southern District of Florida
- Why
- To avoid prosecution for alleged fraud and money laundering
Law Enforcement Perspective
Defendant's Alleged Actions
Justice and Accountability
Law Enforcement Perspective
The FBI and other agencies emphasize the importance of holding fraudsters accountable for stealing from taxpayer-funded programs.
Defendant's Alleged Actions
Elaine Escoe allegedly fled to Jamaica to avoid prosecution, indicating a desire to evade justice.
- Name
- Elaine Angene Escoe
- Age
- 41
- Charges
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, wire fraud, money laundering
- Amount Fraudulently Obtained
- $32 million
- Programs Defrauded
- Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG), Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
- Arrest Location
- Jamaica
- Return Location
- Southern District of Florida
- FBI's Most Wanted Fraudster List
- Fourth capture in five weeks
