MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A major investigation into fraud in Minnesota's child care programs was launched by federal authorities on Monday. Homeland Security officials announced that they are examining the alleged misuse of federal funds, with Secretary Kristi Noem citing years of investigation that revealed a staggering $300 million scheme linked to the nonprofit Feeding Our Future.
This nonprofit was at the heart of what prosecutors claim is the largest COVID-19-related fraud scheme in the nation, where funds meant for child nutrition were pocketed instead. In an alarming report, a federal prosecutor stated that it's possible that over half of the $18 billion in federal aid provided to 14 programs in Minnesota since 2018 could be missing, much of which is connected to the Somali American community.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has vehemently opposed fraud, promising ongoing partnerships with federal authorities to catch those responsible. Noem shared videos online of DHS officers questioning individuals suspected of involvement in these scams, noting a ‘massive investigation’ focusing on various fraudulent activities.
The investigation comes in the wake of heightened tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration and other issues affecting the area's Somali population, as many of those involved in the fraud schemes are identified as Somali Americans. Governor Walz has called for enhanced authority and measures to tighten oversight and prevent further fraud in high-risk programs.
This nonprofit was at the heart of what prosecutors claim is the largest COVID-19-related fraud scheme in the nation, where funds meant for child nutrition were pocketed instead. In an alarming report, a federal prosecutor stated that it's possible that over half of the $18 billion in federal aid provided to 14 programs in Minnesota since 2018 could be missing, much of which is connected to the Somali American community.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has vehemently opposed fraud, promising ongoing partnerships with federal authorities to catch those responsible. Noem shared videos online of DHS officers questioning individuals suspected of involvement in these scams, noting a ‘massive investigation’ focusing on various fraudulent activities.
The investigation comes in the wake of heightened tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration and other issues affecting the area's Somali population, as many of those involved in the fraud schemes are identified as Somali Americans. Governor Walz has called for enhanced authority and measures to tighten oversight and prevent further fraud in high-risk programs.
