FBI Adds Miami Fugitive to New “Most Wanted Fraudsters” List

A South Florida woman accused of masterminding a $34 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme has landed on the FBI’s newly launched “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list, with a reward of up to $150,000 offered for information leading to her arrest.

Elaine Angene Escoe, 41, was last seen in Palm Beach County on June 3, 2025, and failed to appear in court two days later. A federal arrest warrant had been issued for her the previous month. She is among the first eight fugitives named to the list, announced by FBI Director Kash Patel last week.

Prosecutors allege that Escoe and associates submitted more than 90 fraudulent applications across multiple pandemic relief programs between May 2020 and November 2021, falsifying employee counts, payroll data, and business revenues. The scheme allegedly resulted in approximately $29.1 million in improper PPP funds, $3.8 million in Shuttered Venue Operators Grants, and $1.2 million in Restaurant Revitalization funds. After disbursement, the group allegedly funneled proceeds to businesses they controlled, withdrew large cash sums, and used blank signed checks to obscure the money trail. Escoe, originally from Jamaica, also goes by “Annie” and “Annie Palmer.” Tips can be submitted to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.