WASHINGTON, United States — Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives have called for an investigation into the international business dealings of the husband of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, citing concerns over a sharp rise in the couple’s reported net worth.
House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer said Timothy Mynett should provide records related to travel, communications, and financial transactions linked to two companies that allegedly pursued ventures in the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, and Somalia.
Comer argued that the inquiry seeks to determine whether any ethical or legal breaches occurred.
“He should turn over all documents and communications by anyone affiliated with the companies related to travel to the United Arab Emirates, Somalia, or Kenya, or travel undertaken to solicit business connected to those countries,” Comer said.
He further questioned the reported growth in Omar’s financial disclosures.
“She needs to explain to the American people how her net worth went from zero to $10 million in one year, and explain why the Biden Department of Justice was investigating her husband’s financial activities,” he added.
Reports cited by the New York Post allege that some of Mynett’s assets rose from negligible value to as much as $30 million (about Sh3.8 billion) within a year.
Comer has suggested that the House Ethics Committee should assume oversight of the matter to determine whether congressional ethics rules were violated.
The developments come amid heightened federal scrutiny of financial crimes in Minnesota.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently announced a major crackdown on fraud and money laundering schemes operating between Minnesota and foreign jurisdictions, including Kenya.
In a statement dated December 28, FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators uncovered sham vendors, shell companies, and large-scale fraud involving federal programs.
The probe resulted in 78 indictments and 57 convictions.
“These criminals didn’t just engage in historic fraud, but tried to subvert justice as well,” Patel said, referencing the case of Abdimajid Mohamed Nur and others accused of attempting to bribe a juror with $120,000 (approximately Sh15 million).
Those implicated pleaded guilty and received sentences that included a 10-year prison term and nearly $48 million in restitution in related cases.
Patel emphasized that federal authorities had increased personnel and investigative resources in Minnesota even before the issue gained traction online.
“Fraud that steals from taxpayers and robs vulnerable children will remain a top FBI priority in Minnesota and nationwide,” he stated.
Omar, a Somalia-born lawmaker representing Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District since 2019, has sharply criticized the administration of Donald Trump over what she describes as intensified immigration enforcement and anti-fraud measures that disproportionately affect Somali-American communities in the state.
