Elaine Angene Escoe: wanted by the FBI with a reward of $150,000 for COVID-19 fraud of $34 million

The FBI is seeking Elaine Angene Escoe, 41, accused of participating in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain more than $34 million in federal relief funds. the COVID-19 pandemic. She appears on the new list «Most Wanted Fraudsters», announced on June 4, 2025 by the director of the FBI, with a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to her arrest and conviction. The alert circulated widely on networks — among them a post by LD Basler on X — but the official data comes from the FBI Miami Field Office and profile at fbi.gov/wanted.

Why is the FBI looking for her?

According to the statement from FBI Miami and the official poster (online profile), Escoe is accused of:

• Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
• Conspiracy to commit money laundering
• Wire fraud
• Concealment money laundering
• Transactional money laundering

The indictment describes a scheme between May 2020 and November 2021 in which Escoe and five co-defendants — all already convicted or convicted, according to the FBI — would have submitted more than 90 fraudulent applications to programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG).

The applications contained false information about employee numbers, payroll and business income, according to the FBI. The improper disbursement would amount to approximately $29.1 million in PPP, $1.2 million in RRF and $3.8 million in SVOG. After receiving the funds, Escoe and others allegedly transferred payments to each other and to businesses under their control, withdrew large sums of cash, and used signed blank checks to conceal the origin of the money.

Chronology and procedural status

On May 22, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida (West Palm Beach) issued a federal arrest warrant for Escoe, according to the FBI. She was notified of an appearance scheduled for June 5, 2025, but did not appear. She was last seen on June 3, 2025 in Palm Beach County, Florida.

In June 2025, the FBI included her among the first eight fugitives of the "Most Wanted Fraudsters" list, according to reports from NBC 6 South Florida, CBS12 and Local10, which cite the FBI itself Miami.

Identification data

The FBI publishes the following information on its poster (always check the official sheet for updates):

• Name: Elaine Angene Escoe
• Age: 41 years (according to NBC 6 and FBI poster; the initial statement from FBI Miami indicated 40)
• Sex: Female
• Nationality: Jamaica
• Alias: «Annie», «Annie Palmer»
• Build: Thin · Height: ~5′4″ (1.63 m) · Weight: ~130 lb (59 kg)
• Hair: Black · Eyes: Brown

What to do if you have information

MARGENEZ publishes this file solely to inform the population. We are not a police authority nor do we receive complaints about fugitives. If you think you have seen Escoe or have relevant information:

1. Call the FBI: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)
2. Submit a tip online: tips.fbi.gov
3. Contact the nearest FBI field office or a US embassy/consulate if you are outside the country
4. Do not confront or try to stop the person; leave the action to the authorities

For more profiles in this editorial series, visit FBI Wanted — with Reward.

In summary

Who? Elaine Angene Escoe, aka Annie / Annie Palmer. Why? Alleged massive fraud to COVID-19 funds (~$34 M) and money laundering. Reward? Up to $150,000 (FBI). Where? Last seen Palm Beach County, FL, Jun 3, 2025. Status? Fugitive since failure to appear on Jun 5, 2025. What to do? Report to the FBI — do not act on your own.

Update (July 8, 2026): File based on the poster and communications from the FBI, broadcast on X and NBC 6, CBS12 and Local10.