PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — The FBI is rolling out a new strategy to crack down on financial crimes, and it is putting a spotlight on some of its most wanted suspects, including a case tied to South Florida.
On Thursday, the bureau announced its new “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list, a public-facing roundup of fugitives accused of carrying out major scams targeting Americans. Investigators say the goal is to get more public attention on these cases and generate tips that could lead to arrests.
The list currently features eight suspects wanted in connection with a range of crimes, from COVID-19 relief fraud to investment scams and money laundering schemes. Altogether, those cases are tied to more than $1 billion in alleged losses.
It is essentially a white-collar counterpart to the FBI’s well-known Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, shifting the focus to people accused of stealing large amounts of money, often from taxpayers or government programs.
One case that stands out locally is that of Elaine Angene Escoe, a Palm Beach County woman the FBI accuses of orchestrating a $34 million fraud scheme involving COVID-19 relief funds.
According to the FBI, Escoe allegedly submitted more than 90 fraudulent applications for pandemic aid between 2020 and 2021. Authorities say those applications included false payroll data, inflated employee counts, and fabricated revenue figures to secure funding meant for struggling businesses.
She was last seen in Palm Beach County in June 2025, just days before missing a scheduled court appearance. A federal arrest warrant was issued shortly after, and investigators believe she may have fled the area, possibly to Jamaica.
Federal officials say cases like this highlight a broader trend. Fraud tied to pandemic relief programs, along with other financial scams, has surged in recent years, costing taxpayers billions and leaving victims with lasting financial damage.
See also: Texas AG investigates Florida-based company Celsius over marketing energy drinks to teens
That trend is a key reason behind the FBI’s new list.
By publicly identifying suspects, the bureau hopes someone will recognize a face or name and come forward with information. Investigators say tips from the public have played a critical role in solving cases in the past, and they expect the same approach to help here.
Anyone with information about suspects on the Most Wanted Fraudsters list is urged to contact the FBI. Tips can be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov, by calling 1-800-225-5324, or through a local FBI field office.
For federal investigators, the message is straightforward. Even complex fraud cases can come down to one tip that helps bring a suspect into custody.
