The elaine angene escoe fbi search highlights a major case of alleged white-collar crime tied to pandemic relief funds. Authorities seek public help to locate this fugitive, who faces serious charges. Research suggests she may have fled after missing court, but evidence leans toward her still being at large, with no confirmed capture as of late 2025. This raises awareness about fraud risks, though details remain limited without new leads.
- Key Facts: Elaine Angene Escoe, born in Jamaica, is accused of stealing over $34 million through fake loan applications. She was last seen in Florida in June 2025.
- Why It Matters: Cases like this show how scams hurt relief programs meant for businesses. Public tips could help resolve it quickly.
- What You Can Do: If you spot someone matching her description, contact the FBI anonymously – it’s safe and helpful.
Background on the Case
Elaine Angene Escoe allegedly led a scheme submitting false claims for COVID-19 aid. This involved programs like the Paycheck Protection Program. Officials say the fraud ran from 2020 to 2021, affecting millions meant for struggling companies.
Physical Description and Ties
She stands 5’4″ tall, weighs about 140 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Tattoos mark her left wrist, abdomen, back, and right shoulder. She has links to southern Florida and Jamaica, making her a potential flight risk.
How to Report Safely
Use the FBI tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov. Your info stays private, and it could aid the search.
For more on safety topics, check this guide on work zones.
In the world of federal investigations, few stories capture attention like that of Elaine Angene Escoe, a woman at the center of a massive fraud case. The elaine angene escoe fbi search began in earnest after she missed a court date in June 2025, sparking widespread alerts from law enforcement. This article dives deep into her background, the charges against her, the scheme’s details, and why this case matters today. We’ll break it down simply, using facts from reliable sources, to help you understand without confusion.
Who Is Elaine Angene Escoe?
Elaine Angene Escoe, often known by aliases like Annie or Annie Palmer, was born on November 15, 1984, in Jamaica. As a Jamaican national, she has strong ties to her home country and southern Florida, particularly Palm Beach County. Before her legal troubles, little public info exists on her career or daily life – she appears to have operated in business circles, possibly linked to the companies involved in the alleged fraud. Her story came to light through a federal crime search focused on white-collar offenses.
Escoe’s profile fits many money laundering suspects: savvy with finances but accused of crossing into illegal territory during the pandemic. No prior criminal history is noted in public records, making this her first major brush with the law. Her nationality and connections suggest she might seek refuge abroad, adding complexity to the fugitive tracking efforts.
South Florida woman wanted by FBI in $34M COVID-19 relief funds fraud scheme
The Charges: A Closer Look
Escoe faces multiple serious charges in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. These include:
- Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud – Planning with others to deceive through electronic means.
- Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering – Agreeing to hide illegal funds.
- Wire Fraud – Actually carrying out the deceit via wires, like bank transfers.
- Concealment Money Laundering – Hiding the source of dirty money.
- Transactional Money Laundering – Using transactions to disguise funds.
A federal arrest warrant was issued on May 22, 2025, after investigations revealed her role. She was set to appear in court on June 5, 2025, but vanished two days earlier. This led to her addition to the FBI fugitive search lists, emphasizing her as a flight risk.
Details of the Alleged Fraud Scheme
The heart of the case is a sophisticated scam targeting COVID-19 relief programs. From May 2020 to November 2021, Escoe and unnamed co-conspirators allegedly submitted over 90 fake applications. These claimed aid from:
- Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): Meant for payroll support, but faked with false employee numbers and expenses. About $29.1 million was wrongly disbursed.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): For business recovery, though specific amounts aren’t detailed.
- Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF): Aimed at eateries, with $1.2 million stolen.
- Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG): For entertainment spots, losing $3.8 million.
The applications lied about business revenues, staff sizes, and needs. Once funds arrived, the group moved money to controlled accounts, withdrew cash in large sums, and used blank signed checks to mask trails. This classic fraud and embezzlement tactic hid the pandemic relief fund theft.
To illustrate the scale, here’s a table of the programs and estimated losses:
| Program | Purpose | Alleged Loss |
| PPP | Payroll and business support | $29.1 million |
| RRF | Aid for restaurants | $1.2 million |
| SVOG | Help for venues like theaters | $3.8 million |
| EIDL | Disaster recovery loans | Not specified, part of total $34M+ |
Total alleged theft: Over $34 million. This ranks among notable COVID relief fraud suspect cases, highlighting vulnerabilities in emergency aid systems.
Last Known Whereabouts and Search Efforts
Escoe was last seen on June 3, 2025, in Palm Beach County, Florida. This area, her recent home base, is a focus for local tips. The FBI Miami Field Office leads the hunt, urging anyone with info to call.
As part of broader law enforcement alerts, her profile appears on the FBI’s Wanted for White Collar Crimes page. No reward is offered, but public cooperation is key. Tips can come via:
- Phone: 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324)
- Online: tips.fbi.gov
- Local offices or embassies
The search extends to Jamaica due to her ties, though no confirmed sightings there. Media coverage in September 2025 amplified the alert, but as of December, no arrests are reported – suggesting the elaine angene escoe fbi search continues activel1y.
Florida woman wanted by FBI in $34M COVID-19 relief funds fraud …
Why This Case Stands Out in FBI History
White-collar crimes like this differ from violent offenses on the FBI most wanted list. They involve paper trails, not chases, but impact millions. The pandemic saw a spike in such frauds – the FBI investigated thousands, recovering billions. Escoe’s case exemplifies criminal charges for fraud, especially conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Compared to other fugitives:
| Fugitive Example | Crime Type | Amount Involved | Status |
| Elaine Angene Escoe | COVID Fraud | $34M+ | At Large |
| Typical PPP Scammer | Wire Fraud | $1-5M | Many Arrested |
| High-Profile Launderer | Money Laundering | $100M+ | International Hunt |
This table shows Escoe’s mid-level scale but high visibility due to timing. It reminds us of broader federal fraud investigation trends post-2020.
Public Role in Fugitive Searches
You play a vital part in cases like this. The FBI tipline has solved many mysteries through everyday tips. For instance:
- Look for matching traits: 5’4″, 140 lbs, tattoos.
- Note aliases in conversations.
- Report safely – no need to confront.
If you’re in Florida or Jamaica, stay alert. For related safety, see this guide on peripheral use.
Preventing Similar Frauds: Tips for Businesses
To avoid becoming a victim or suspect:
- Verify Applications: Double-check all aid claims.
- Report Suspicion: Use FBI channels early.
- Educate on Risks: Know signs of white-collar crime.
Stats show over 5,000 COVID fraud cases prosecuted by 2025, per Justice Department reports. Prevention saves money and trust2.
Broader Implications for Society
This case touches on trust in government programs. Relief funds helped millions, but fraud eroded that. It also highlights immigrant involvement in crimes – Escoe’s nationality adds an international angle, though most Jamaicans are law-abiding.
In a quote from an FBI statement: “Public assistance is crucial in locating fugitives like Escoe.” This underscores community power.
For more on global issues, explore globalization factors.
FAQs on Elaine Angene Escoe FBI Search
Who is Elaine Angene Escoe?
Elaine Angene Escoe is a 40-year-old Jamaican woman born on November 15, 1984, with aliases like “Annie” or “Annie Palmer.” She has ties to southern Florida and Jamaica and is considered a flight risk due to her failure to appear in court.
What crimes is she accused of committing?
She faces charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, concealment money laundering, and transactional money laundering. These stem from an alleged scheme to defraud federal COVID-19 relief programs of over $34 million.
What was the fraud scheme about?
From May 2020 to November 2021, Escoe and co-conspirators allegedly submitted over 90 fake applications for aid from programs like PPP, EIDL, RRF, and SVOG, using false data on employees and revenues. This led to wrongful payouts, which they laundered through cash withdrawals and controlled accounts.
Where was she last seen?
Escoe was last spotted in Palm Beach County, Florida, on June 3, 2025, just before missing her court date on June 5. Authorities believe she may have fled to Jamaica or remained in the U.S., prompting a nationwide alert.
Conclusion
The elaine angene escoe fbi search remains open3, with Escoe wanted for major fraud tied to COVID aid. Her story warns of scam risks while calling for public help. By sharing facts, we build safer communities.
What would you do if you spotted a fugitive? Share your thoughts below.
References
- WALB News Article – Coverage of accusations and background. ↩︎
- FBI Miami News Release – Details on search and public tips. ↩︎
- FBI Wanted Page – Official profile and charges. ↩︎