The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced the successful return of Elaine Angene Escoe, an alleged financial fraudster, from Jamaica to the United States to face federal criminal charges.
According to the FBI, Escoe is accused of participating in a large-scale conspiracy involving wire fraud and money laundering connected to a scheme that allegedly fraudulently obtained more than $32 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds intended to support businesses affected by the pandemic.
A federal arrest warrant for Escoe was issued on 22 May 2025 by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. She was scheduled to appear in court on 5 June 2025, but allegedly failed to do so, prompting authorities to classify her as a wanted fugitive.
Investigators later determined that Escoe had fled to Jamaica. Acting on intelligence and a public tip, Jamaican law enforcement authorities located and arrested her. Following her arrest, she was returned to the United States under the coordination of U.S. and Jamaican authorities to face the pending federal charges.
The FBI described the arrest and return of Escoe as another example of its continued commitment to tracking down and bringing alleged financial criminals to justice, regardless of where they attempt to hide.
The investigation and successful apprehension of Escoe were the result of a joint effort involving several law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service’s Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and the Jamaica Fugitive Apprehension Team.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to pursuing individuals accused of financial crimes and ensuring they are held accountable under the law. The charges against Escoe remain allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
