FBI Most Wanted fugitive caught, charged in $32M fraud scheme

A fugitive on the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list arrived in Florida on Saturday to face charges over a $32 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. Jamaican authorities captured Elaine Escoe and turned her over to U.S. agents after receiving a tip from the FBI, according to the Justice Department.

Escoe was living in Jamaica under the false identity of Harley Newman, the department said. She allegedly fled the United States last year after being indicted on several charges related to wire fraud and money laundering. A federal arrest warrant was issued in May 2025 before she fled, according to the Justice Department.

What exactly do federal authorities accuse Escoe of doing? They say she worked with others to apply for more than $32 million in federal funds from the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, and others. She allegedly created fraudulent tax documents, bank records, and other financial records to make fake businesses appear legitimate. She and her co-conspirators then laundered the money they received, according to the Justice Department. Five other people involved in the operation have all been sentenced after being convicted or pleading guilty. Escoe is considered legally innocent until proven guilty in court.

Dig deeper: Read Christina Grube’s report on COVID-19 fraud indictments and convictions in Minnesota.