The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel announced on Sunday (December 28) that additional investigative resources and personnel have been sent to Minnesota to address a large-scale federal fund fraud case.
In a statement posted on Patel’s official website, the FBI had been monitoring reports on social media regarding fraud cases in Minnesota. Even before the public discussions escalated on the web, the FBI had already dispatched personnel and investigative resources to combat “large-scale fraudulent activities utilizing federal programs.”
The FBI recently successfully uncovered the “Feeding Our Future” fraud case. This non-profit organization fraud case stands as the largest pandemic relief fraud case in American history, involving the forging of meal records for thousands of students under the federal child meal program to swindle $250 million in federal funds, which were used to purchase luxury homes and cars. As a result, 78 individuals have been indicted, with 57 convicted.
The investigations primarily target the Somali immigrant community in Minnesota. Patel stated that the accused individuals not only committed fraud but also attempted to obstruct justice. During the course of the case, one defendant has been prosecuted, having been found attempting to bribe a juror with $120,000 in cash.
Patel emphasized that the $250 million embezzlement case is just the tip of a large iceberg, and many involved individuals may face immigration officials for potential revocation of citizenship status and deportation proceedings.
Earlier estimates by federal prosecutors suggested that fraud cases related to Minnesota’s Somali population could involve embezzled amounts reaching up to $9 billion, nearly equivalent to Somalia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Before Patel’s statement, a widely circulated video appeared on social media produced by independent journalist Nick Shirley, alleging that several child care facilities and learning centers in Minneapolis had received millions in public funding without actual operation.
Republican lawmakers including House Minority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota, Congressman Mike Lawler of New York, and Vice President JD Vance responded to the controversy sparked by the video.
Emmer accused Democratic Governor Tim Walz of standing idly by while “billions are stolen from hardworking Minnesotans.”
A spokesman for Governor Walz countered these allegations, stating that the governor has been actively combating fraud by enhancing oversight, auditing high-risk projects, and supporting criminal prosecutions.
However, a group of Minnesota state employees accused Walz of failing to take action against widespread fraud warnings and retaliating against whistleblowers.
An account identified as “Minnesota Staff Fraud Reporting Commentary” consisting of over 480 state government employees claimed that Walz bears “100% responsibility” for the “large-scale fraud in Minnesota.”
The group asserted: “We alerted Walz to the fraud issues early on hoping to work together to stop it, but… We received the opposite response.”
Walz addressed fraud issues during a late-November press conference, referring to fraud as “undermining trust in government” and “undermining programs that are absolutely essential for improving quality of life.”
He added: “If you’re committing fraud, regardless of where you come from, your appearance, your faith – you’re going to jail.”