- Elaine Angene Escoe was arrested in Jamaica and extradited to the United States for her alleged role in a $32 million relief fund fraud.
- Upon her arrival in Miami, Escoe was arrested by the FBI, as announced by the Department of Justice.
- Escoe is facing federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and multiple counts of wire fraud and money laundering.
- She was added to the FBI's Most Wanted Fraudsters list on June 8, 2025, shortly after a federal arrest warrant was issued.
- Escoe and her associates allegedly siphoned off millions from federal COVID-19 relief programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
- The Department of Justice reported that Escoe and her associates submitted over 90 fraudulent applications for COVID relief funds.
- The fraudulent applications resulted in a total of $32 million being disbursed to Escoe and her associates.
- Escoe had been living in Jamaica under the false identity 'Harley Newman' before her arrest.
Elaine Angene Escoe, 41, was arrested in Jamaica and extradited to the U.S. after being on the FBI's Most Wanted Fraudsters list. She allegedly participated in a scheme that defrauded the federal government of $32 million through COVID-19 relief programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program and Restaurant Revitalization Fund.1234578
According to the Department of Justice, Escoe and her associates submitted over 90 fraudulent applications containing false information about payroll and revenue. The fraudulent claims resulted in the disbursement of $29.1 million in PPP funds, $1.2 million in RRF funds, and $3.8 million in SVOG funds.6
“This Most Wanted Fraudster allegedly obtained tens of millions in COVID-19 relief, stealing critical resources from legitimate businesses during a national crisis,” stated Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Escoe, who fled to Jamaica after a federal arrest warrant was issued in May 2025, was living under the alias 'Harley Newman'.
Escoe is the last defendant charged in this conspiracy, which has already seen four arrests and convictions. Her co-defendants received sentences ranging from 42 to 235 months in prison. The FBI has successfully captured four individuals from its Most Wanted Fraudsters list within five weeks of its launch.
“Those who exploit taxpayer-funded programs will be held accountable,” Blanche added, emphasizing the commitment to pursuing fraudsters regardless of their location.
“Escoe had been living in Jamaica under the false identity 'Harley Newman' before her capture. She is the final defendant charged in the conspiracy, with five co-defendants already convicted or pleaded guilty in December 2025.”
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