The main suspect in a Medicaid fraud case that drained nearly $11 million from Minnesota taxpayers has disappeared, and authorities are now trying to track him down.
Abdirashid Ismail Said, 50, failed to appear in Hennepin County court on Wednesday, forfeiting a $150,000 bond in the process. His absence immediately raised concerns among investigators, who had already flagged him as a potential flight risk. According to reports, Said was able to avoid stricter conditions on his release by posting a higher unconditional bond, rather than accepting a lower bond that would have required him to surrender his passport.
That decision now appears significant. Prosecutors had previously warned that Said had close ties abroad, including a wife and child living in Nairobi, Kenya, and could attempt to leave the country or evade authorities. With his failure to appear in court, those concerns have become more urgent, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Said is one of several individuals charged in connection with the alleged scheme, which prosecutors say involved defrauding Medicaid out of millions. He faces a range of serious charges, including racketeering, perjury, and aiding and abetting theft by swindle. The case itself has drawn attention not only because of the amount of money involved, but also because of Said’s prior criminal history.
A Somali Minnesota Medicaid fraud suspect, previously convicted of fraud, & is now accused of stealing $11m of taxpayer funds, is believed to have fled after skipping court. He had been out on a $150k bond after being charged by @keithellison‘s office. https://t.co/sIUCqXGSTZ
— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) April 12, 2026
In 2021, Said was convicted in a separate theft by swindle case. As part of that outcome, he was barred from working with businesses that receive Medicaid reimbursements. Despite that restriction, authorities allege he continued to participate in fraudulent activity tied to the program.
The broader case includes at least two other co-defendants. Ali Abdirizak Ahmed has been charged but has not yet been taken into custody, according to court records. Meanwhile, Said Awil Ibrahim is scheduled to go to trial in early June. The charges against them also include racketeering and aiding and abetting theft by swindle, suggesting prosecutors believe the operation involved coordinated efforts among multiple individuals.
🚨 Breaking: Abdirashid Ismail Said, the main suspect in a massive $11 million Minnesota Medicaid fraud scheme, has disappeared after skipping a court hearing.
A judge issued an arrest warrant and forfeited his $150,000 bond. Said faces 10 felony charges, including theft and… pic.twitter.com/kwuqDNBMYV
— Brandon Tatum (@TheOfficerTatum) April 13, 2026
The situation has also unfolded against a backdrop of increased scrutiny over fraud in Minnesota’s public assistance programs. Investigations and public reporting in recent months have highlighted concerns about oversight and enforcement, prompting both state and federal attention. Lawmakers have held hearings examining how such schemes were able to operate and what steps can be taken to prevent similar losses in the future.
For now, the focus remains on locating Said. His disappearance complicates an already high-profile case and raises questions about how he was able to avoid tighter pretrial restrictions. Authorities have not said where they believe he may be, but the possibility that he has left the country remains a key concern as the search continues.
