MINNEAPOLIS, USA — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) says it is continuing a major fraud investigation in Minnesota, following social media reports and longstanding concerns about misuse of federal funds in the state.
FBI Director Kash Patel said authorities had already moved personnel and investigative resources to Minnesota before the online discussion around the case intensified.
Patel described the probe as part of a broader effort to dismantle large‑scale fraud schemes that steal taxpayer money and hurt vulnerable children, and warned that the recent case may be only “the tip of a very large iceberg.”
Historic COVID Aid Fraud Scheme in Minnesota
One of the most significant cases under scrutiny involves a $250 million fraud scheme tied to federal food aid meant to support children during the COVID‑19 pandemic.
The FBI and federal prosecutors say the scheme involved sham vendors, shell companies, and money laundering connected to the now‑defunct nonprofit network Feeding Our Future.
Investigators allege that program sites claimed to serve meals to large numbers of children, but in many cases no services were delivered.
The scheme drew widespread criticism because money intended to feed vulnerable children was diverted for personal use.
The case has already produced 78 indictments and 57 convictions, with defendants charged on crimes ranging from wire fraud and money laundering to conspiracy. Several prominent suspects were named in court filings, reflecting the scale and complexity of the fraud.
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Attempts to Subvert Justice
Federal prosecutors said some of the convicted individuals did not just steal funds, but also tried to interfere with the legal process.
In one incident, a defendant and associates were charged with attempting to bribepersuade a juror with $120,000 in cash during the Feeding Our Future trial.
Those convicted have received significant sentences, including long prison terms and orders to pay millions of dollars in restitution. Officials say these penalties are meant to send a strong message that fraud against federal programmes carries severe consequences.
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Communities Affected and Ongoing Investigation
Although the Feeding Our Future case began as a pandemic‑era nutrition programme investigation, Minnesota’s large Somali immigrant community has been frequently mentioned in media coverage because many sites alleged to be involved were operated by people of Somali descent.
Authorities emphasise that the investigation targets fraudulent activity, not entire communities, and say they are acting within the law to protect federal funds.
Immigrant groups and civil rights advocates have raised concerns about the impact of the investigations on Somali immigrants and other minority communities, asking for transparency and fairness in how cases are pursued.
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Looking Ahead
Patel said investigators will continue to follow the money and pursue additional leads in Minnesota and elsewhere.
The FBI maintains that protecting federal programmes from fraud remains a top priority, particularly when funds are intended to benefit children and vulnerable families.
Officials also note that more arrests, convictions, and referrals for prosecution are possible as the probe continues.
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