Federal prosecutors say the alleged fraud tied to Minnesota-run programs could total billions of dollars in federal funds distributed since 2018. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said investigators are uncovering alleged abuse across 14 programs, including child nutrition, housing services, and autism services, with more charges expected.
Thompson said, “I’m sure everyone is wondering how much of this $18 billion was fraud,” and added, “That’s the $18 billion question.” He also said investigators are seeing more red flags than legitimate claims and that more charges are expected.
Minneapolis-based imam and Islamic Association of North America director Yusuf Abdulle said, “Fraud is an issue of individual wrongdoing, not community identity.”
President Donald Trump alleged that Minnesota, under Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, is a “hub of fraudulent money laundering activity.” The Trump administration launched a 30-day surge in the Twin Cities, deploying about 2,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents…