The FBI Just Brought Home a $32 Million COVID Fraud Fugitive Who Thought Jamaica Would Hide Her Forever

One of the FBI’s most wanted alleged COVID-19 fraud fugitives has been captured in Jamaica and returned to the United States.

Elaine Angene Escoe, 41, arrived back in South Florida on Thursday after Jamaican authorities arrested her. FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News Digital she had been living under the fake identity “Harley Newman” while evading charges tied to an alleged $32 million pandemic relief fraud scheme.

Prosecutors allege she and co-defendants submitted more than 90 fraudulent applications under programs including the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant. The applications contained false information about employees, payroll, and revenues.

The scheme allegedly led to the wrongful disbursement of more than $32 million in taxpayer funds. After the money was released, the group allegedly moved funds between controlled businesses, withdrew large amounts of cash, and used blank signed checks to conceal the proceeds.

A federal arrest warrant was issued after Escoe failed to appear in court in May 2025. She fled to Jamaica and was located after the FBI received a tip. All five co-defendants have either been convicted or entered guilty pleas.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Escoe “fled the country believing she could escape justice but ultimately could not.” Patel noted this was the fourth “Most Wanted Fraudster” captured in five weeks, with recent arrests involving nearly $1.8 billion in alleged fraud after more than 3,500 days on the run across three continents.

“Under this administration, fraud is no longer tolerated, and those who steal from American taxpayers have nowhere to hide,” Patel said.