Suspect Abdirashid Ismail Said skips Minnesota court date in $11 MILLION Medicaid fraud case

50-year-old Abdirashid Ismail Said did not attend his pre-trial hearing in Hennepin County, resulting in the forfeiture of his $150,000 unconditional bond. The arrangement had allowed him to avoid stricter conditions, including surrendering his passport. Now, investigators have raised concerns that Said may flee the country due to family ties abroad.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said his office is working with federal authorities to locate the suspect.

"A warrant has been issued for Said's arrest after he failed to appear for a pre-trial hearing," Ellison told FOX 9. "My Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is working with federal law enforcement to locate Said and ensure he faces justice for the fraud he committed. This is a deeply frustrating setback, however, I remain committed to doing everything I can to hold Said and other Medicaid fraudsters accountable."

Said has been charged with racketeering and multiple counts of aiding and abetting theft by swindle. The criminal complaint said the charges are in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud Minnesota’s Medicaid program of nearly $11 million. Prosecutors allege that Said billed Medicaid for services that were never actually provided, as well as services that were not properly recorded or were supported by false paperwork. He is also accused of charging for ineligible services and billing more than allowed.

The alleged scheme took place from 2019 to 2023 and involved the secret operation of multiple home health agencies funded by Medicaid, despite Said being barred from working with such programs due to a prior fraud conviction.

In 2022, Said was convicted of Medicaid fraud and ordered to pay $77,000 in restitution and was barred from working with any Medicaid-funded agency, restrictions he appeared to later violate.