A man accused of orchestrating an $11 million Medicaid fraud scheme in Minnesota skipped a scheduled court appearance this week, prompting a warrant for his arrest, authorities said.
Abdirashid Ismail Said, 50, failed to appear for a pre-trial hearing in Hennepin County, forfeiting his bond, according to the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. A warrant has been issued for his arrest, and authorities are working to locate him.
Background and Charges
Said was charged with racketeering and multiple counts of aiding and abetting theft by swindle in connection with an alleged scheme that defrauded Minnesota’s Medicaid program of nearly $11 million. The complaint alleges he operated multiple Medicaid-funded home health care agencies despite being barred from such programs following a prior fraud conviction.
Bond and Flight Risk Concerns
Said posted a $150,000 unconditional bond, which did not require surrendering his passport. Investigators raised concerns about his potential to flee, citing family ties abroad. A $50,000 conditional bond would have required stricter conditions, including passport surrender.
Legal and Investigative Response
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stated that his office is collaborating with federal authorities to locate Said. The case is part of a broader effort to combat Medicaid fraud in the state.
Impact on the Case
Said’s failure to appear has thrown the $11 million fraud case into doubt, as his absence complicates the prosecution’s ability to proceed. The trial, originally scheduled for April 13, has been canceled.
Prior Convictions and Allegations
Said had been previously convicted of Medicaid fraud before the 2023 charges. Prosecutors allege he and his co-conspirators billed Medicaid for services that were never provided between 2019 and 2023.