The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Fahad Mohamed Nur, a Somali-American man wanted in connection with an alleged multi-million-dollar fraud scheme involving a federal child nutrition program.

According to the FBI, Nur is accused of fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars from the Federal Child Nutrition Program during the COVID-19 pandemic by exploiting funds intended to provide meals for children.

In a statement, the FBI said: “Nur is a U.S. citizen originally from Somalia and is believed to have fled to Somalia.” Authorities are urging anyone with credible information about his whereabouts to come forward.

A federal arrest warrant for Nur was issued on September 13, 2022, by the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota in Minneapolis. He is wanted on charges that include wire fraud, money laundering, and theft of public funds.

The case is part of one of the largest pandemic-related fraud investigations in the United States. Federal prosecutors allege that millions of dollars intended to feed vulnerable children during the COVID-19 crisis were diverted through fraudulent reimbursement claims, prompting an extensive investigation involving multiple suspects.

The FBI said it remains committed to locating Nur and bringing him before a U.S. court, urging anyone with information that could assist investigators to contact the agency.