FBI Director Kash Patel says the multimillion-dollar fraud uncovered in Minnesota “is just the tip of a very large iceberg,” as he threatened convicted Somali scammers with denaturalization and deportation.
Director Patel said that the FBI “had surged personnel and investigative resources” to the North Star State to take down the fraud schemes even before they had gained attention online, in a lengthy statement on social media.
Many of those indicted for fraud were from Minnesota’s Somali population — the largest immigrant group in the state.
“To date, the FBI dismantled a $250 million fraud scheme that stole federal food aid meant for vulnerable children during COVID,” Patel wrote.
“The investigation exposed sham vendors, shell companies, and large-scale money laundering tied to the Feeding Our Future network,” he added.
That case saw 78 indictments and 57 convictions.
“Defendants included Abdiwahab Ahmed Mohamud, Ahmed Ali, Hussein Farah, Abdullahe Nur Jesow, Asha Farhan Hassan, Ousman Camara, and Abdirashid Bixi Dool, each charged for roles ranging from wire fraud to money laundering and conspiracy,” he said.
“Abdimajid Mohamed Nur and others were charged for attempting to bribe a juror with $120,000 in cash. Those responsible pleaded guilty and were sentenced, including a 10-year prison term and nearly $48 million in restitution in related cases,” Patel said, before warning that the issues may go far deeper.
“The FBI believes this is just the tip of a very large iceberg. We will continue to follow the money and protect children, and this investigation very much remains ongoing,” he said.
“Furthermore, many are also being referred to immigrations officials for possible further denaturalization and deportation proceedings where eligible,” he said.
Patel’s announcement came in the wake of a viral social media video highlighting alleged fraud involving Minn. childcare and learning centers.
In the video, many of the facilities appeared to be non-operational fronts, according to the footage shared by independent journalist Nick Shirley.
Many Republican lawmakers, including Vice President JD Vance, responded to the viral video, slamming Gov. Tim Walz of sitting “idly by while billions were stolen from hardworking Minnesotans,” according to House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn.
Gov. Walz addressed the alleged fraud at a press conference back in November, before the full scale of the purported abuse came to light.
The scandal “undermines trust in government,” and “undermines programs that are absolutely critical in improving quality of life,” Walz said.
“If you’re committing fraud, no matter where you come from, what you look like, what you believe, you are going to go to jail,” he added.
The alleged fraud schemes date back to 2015, when day care centers were accused of overcharging Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program.
More recent alleged scams have involved Medicaid-funded disability schemes, including a housing program that help seniors and disabled people find and move into housing.
Following the uncovering of what authorities called “large-scale fraud,” that scheme was shut down earlier this year.
President Trump last month announced he was suspending Temporary Protected Status for Somali immigrants, as he claimed Minnesota was “a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity.”
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