The FBI is searching for a Jamaican woman accused of helping orchestrate a massive fraud scheme that siphoned more than $34 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds.
Authorities say Elaine Angene Escoe, also known as “Annie” and “Annie Palmer,” is wanted on multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and wire fraud. A federal arrest warrant was issued on May 22, 2025, in the Southern District of Florida.
According to the FBI, Escoe and her co-conspirators submitted more than 990 fraudulent applications between May 2020 and November 2021, targeting programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loans, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant.
Investigators allege the group fabricated employee numbers, payroll costs, and revenue figures to secure the funds. The scheme resulted in the wrongful disbursement of $29.1 million in PPP funds, $1.2 million in RRF funds, and $3.8 million in SVOG funds.
Afterward, prosecutors say Escoe and others funneled money through businesses they controlled, withdrew large sums in cash, and used blank, signed checks to disguise the source of the funds.
Escoe was last seen June 3, 2025, in Palm Beach County, Florida. She is described as 5’4”, 140 pounds, with brown eyes and tattoos on her left wrist, abdomen, back, and right shoulder.
The FBI has released photos of Escoe and is asking anyone with information to come forward.
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