Minnesota Medicaid Suspect Flees After Allegedly Stealing $11 Million
Abdirashid Ismail Said, the lead defendant in a major Medicaid fraud prosecution, failed to appear at a pre-trial hearing this week. Authorities say his absence prompted a warrant for his arrest and the forfeiture of his $150,000 bond.
Charges and alleged scheme
State prosecutors charged Said and two others in December 2023. The complaint alleges they defrauded Minnesota’s Medicaid program of almost $11 million.
He faces 10 felony counts. These include theft by swindle and racketeering.
How investigators say the fraud worked
Prosecutors contend Said billed for services that were ineligible for payment. He had been barred from operating Medicaid-funded agencies after a prior conviction, the filings say.
The charges also allege billing for waivered services that lacked proper documentation or relied on forged paperwork. These practices formed the core of the state’s allegations that he allegedly stole $11 million.
Prior conviction and financial penalties
Said was previously convicted of Medicaid fraud in 2022. A court then ordered him to repay $77,000 to the state.
Flight risk and court findings
Court documents filed in December said state investigators worried he would not respond to a summons. The filings noted he has substantial family ties outside the United States.
Officials also reported that Said’s wife resides in Nairobi. Those details helped justify the state’s request for a warrant.
Official response
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison described the prosecution as the largest of its kind in the state. He called Said’s disappearance a significant setback for the case.
Ellison said his office remains committed to holding alleged Medicaid fraudsters accountable. His team declined to disclose where they believe Said might be hiding.
Law enforcement continues to seek Said as investigators treat this as a suspect flees matter connected to Minnesota Medicaid. Filmogaz.com will monitor developments and report updates as they become available.
