Former Hollywood executive Mary Carole McDonnell has been added to the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list as authorities continue pursuing a case involving nearly $30 million allegedly obtained from California banks. The FBI is offering $150,000 for information leading to her arrest and conviction.

McDonnell, 75, previously served as CEO of Bellum Entertainment. The company abruptly shut down in 2017 after its payroll collapsed, leaving former employees describing repeated problems involving their money and the banks handling it.

A federal arrest warrant has been outstanding for McDonnell since 2018. She is believed to be living in Dubai while authorities seek information that could lead investigators to her location.

McDonnell is wanted on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft connected to an alleged scheme in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The bank fraud allegations involve millions of dollars, according to the FBI.

ANOTHER Most Wanted Fraudster addition – our second of this week – as this @FBI hunts down alleged fraudsters all over the world led by @POTUS, @VP and @WHFraudTF with our DOJ partners @AGToddBlanche.

6 subjects arrested so far, successfully brought back from four different continents, on the run for over 4,000 days combined and allegedly responsible for over $2 billion in fraud. Newest subject: MARY CAROLE MCDONNELL, wanted for her alleged involvement in a fraud scheme in Los Angeles and Orange Counties in California. Beginning in approximately July of 2017, and continuing to May of 2018, McDonnell is alleged to have devised and participated in a scheme to fraudulently obtain money, funds, assets, and property owned by Banc of California. McDonnell allegedly and fraudulently obtained a total of approximately $14.7 million from the bank to which she knew she was not entitled and has not paid back. She also allegedly defrauded additional financial institutions in a similar fashion, with an estimated loss of over $15 million. A federal arrest warrant was issued for McDonnell in December 2018 charging her with Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft – and she has been on the run since. It is believed McDonnell is currently in Dubai. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for the arrest and conviction of Mary Carole McDonnell. If you have any information, call 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit https://t.co/m55w5cqC7Y. @FBILosAngeles — FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) October 15, 2026

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Multiple reports say McDonnell is accused of fraudulently obtaining nearly $30 million from California banks. Authorities also accuse her of falsely presenting herself as an heiress to the McDonnell aircraft family by fabricating details about her background and inheritance.

The allegations include a specific period between July 2017 and May 2018. Authorities say McDonnell obtained $14.7 million from a bank during that time despite knowing she was not entitled to the money.

That $14.7 million has not been repaid, according to authorities. McDonnell is also accused of using a similar method to defraud other financial institutions.

The collapse of Bellum Entertainment brought its own turmoil for employees trying to collect their money. One former employee described a frantic race to reach banks before they closed because funds were allegedly being shifted between accounts.

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“There would be a mad dash out the door to get them to the banks before the banks would close so you could cash them, because they would move money around,” the former Bellum Entertainment employee told NBC News.

Another former employee described a recurring series of explanations involving banks, unreleased funds, loans and changes in financial institutions. The employee said there always appeared to be another reason for the problems surrounding the money.

“It was always some issue with the bank or the money that they were supposed to be getting wasn’t released to them yet, or they had to change banks, or they were getting a loan,” the former employee told NBC News.

The FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office has expressed confidence that the international search will ultimately locate McDonnell. Patrick Grandy, the office’s assistant director in charge, said investigators are working with international partners.

“It’s just a matter of time before McDonnell is caught as we work with our international partners to locate her,” Grandy said, according to KTLA.

Grandy also emphasized the potential importance of information from members of the public. “A generous reward is being offered in exchange for information leading to her apprehension and conviction, and a tip from the public might break the case,” he added.

The FBI says McDonnell has used several aliases, including Mary Carole Carroll, Mary Carol McDonnell, Mary Carroll McDonnell, Mary C. Carroll and Mary Carroll McDonald. Authorities are urging anyone with information about her to contact a local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.

People with information may also call the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 800-CALL-FBI. Tips can also be submitted through the agency’s website as investigators continue seeking information that could secure McDonnell’s arrest and conviction.

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