A woman accused of participating in a $32 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme has been returned to the United States after being arrested in Jamaica, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
The suspect, Elaine Escoe, 41, had been listed on the FBI's Most Wanted Fraudsters List after authorities alleged she fled the United States while facing federal charges related to pandemic relief programs.
Suspect Arrested in Jamaica
According to federal authorities, Escoe had been living in Jamaica under the alleged false identity "Harley Newman." She was taken into custody with assistance from Jamaican law enforcement and later returned to Florida to face criminal proceedings.
Officials said she had failed to appear in court after being indicted in 2025.
Alleged $32 Million COVID Relief Scheme
Prosecutors allege that Escoe and her co-defendants submitted fraudulent applications seeking more than $32 million through several federal pandemic assistance programs, including:
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF)
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG)
According to the indictment, the applications allegedly included false payroll records, fabricated tax documents, fake bank statements, and misleading financial information to obtain government funds.
Authorities also allege that some applications were submitted for third parties in exchange for substantial kickbacks.
DOJ Statement
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said individuals who exploit taxpayer-funded emergency programs will be pursued regardless of where they attempt to hide.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including:
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
U.S. Marshals Service
U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service
Jamaica Constabulary Force
Jamaica Fugitive Apprehension Team
Other Defendants
Federal officials said Escoe is the final remaining defendant charged in the alleged conspiracy.
Several co-defendants have already been convicted or pleaded guilty in connection with the case and received prison sentences ranging from 42 months to 235 months, according to the Department of Justice.
COVID-19 Relief Fraud Remains a Major Concern
Between 2020 and 2021, the U.S. Congress approved approximately $4.6 trillion in emergency COVID-19 relief funding to support families and businesses affected by the pandemic.
Government reports have estimated that hundreds of billions of dollars may have been lost to fraud across multiple pandemic assistance programs due to rushed implementation and limited oversight.
Key Highlights
FBI says suspect in alleged $32 million COVID-19 fraud scheme captured in Jamaica.
Suspect returned to Florida to face federal charges.
Case involves PPP, EIDL, Restaurant Revitalization Fund, and SVOG programs.
Authorities allege fraudulent applications contained fake financial documents.
Investigation involved U.S. and Jamaican law enforcement agencies.
Several co-defendants have already been convicted or pleaded guilty.
Conclusion
The case highlights continued efforts by U.S. authorities to investigate alleged fraud involving COVID-19 relief programs. Federal prosecutors allege that millions of dollars intended to help legitimate businesses were obtained through fraudulent applications. The charges against Elaine Escoe remain allegations, and the case will proceed through the U.S. court system.
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