The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking the help of Jamaican citizens to share information they may have on 40-year-old Jamaican Elaine Escoe, who has been on the run since June 2024 after committing wire fraud.

The FBI wants to arrest her for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, wire fraud, concealment, money laundering and transactional money laundering.

It is said that Escoe, who resided in Palm Beach, Florida, was the ringleader of an operation that saw her filing over 90 fraudulent applications for pandemic relief for PPP loans. She lied about her income, employees and altered bank statements. She was part of a scheme, including other Jamaicans, that participated in COVID-19 relief fraud that netted US$34 million.

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was a US federal loan programme, established by the Cares Act during the coronavirus pandemic, that provided forgivable loans to small businesses to help them pay employees and other eligible costs.

The loans administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), with support from the Treasury Department, were intended to help businesses retain workers during economic shutdowns. Borrowers could apply for forgiveness if they used at least 60 per cent of the funds for eligible payroll and other costs.

Escoe, the FBI says, has tattoos all over her body and is around 145 pounds and is considered a flight risk. She is believed to be in Jamaica and will be travelling using false documents. The FBI is asking for help to bring her to justice.

Speaking from Pembroke Pines, ex-police officer Joseph McCullough said: “There are plenty of Jamaican scammers operating in the US, and many of them do not have visas and entered the country illegally. It is a growing problem. They game the system, crying DEI  and then turn around and boast about how they are so independent and doing well.

“This is why President Trump is looking to crack down on Jamaicans entering the US and is screening applications. You want decent, law-abiding people contributing to the country. There is no room in America anymore for reprobates and criminals who threaten to tear down the fabric of the greatest country on earth.

There is a low tolerance for corruption and skulduggery. Keep that in your own country.”