MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Diya TV) — The FBI has expanded its presence in Minnesota as it intensifies investigations into large-scale fraud schemes that exploited federal aid programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The move comes amid renewed public attention fueled by viral social media videos and sharp political debate.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau had already surged personnel and investigative resources into Minnesota before recent online discussions gained momentum. He stressed that fraud targeting taxpayers and vulnerable children remains a top priority for the agency.
“The FBI is aware of recent social media reports in Minnesota,” Patel said in a statement posted Sunday on X. “However, even before the public conversation escalated online, the FBI had surged personnel and investigative resources to Minnesota to dismantle large-scale fraud schemes exploiting federal programs.”
The FBI’s most prominent case in Minnesota centers on the Feeding Our Future investigation. Federal authorities say the scheme stole roughly $250 million in federal food aid meant to feed low-income children during the pandemic. Investigators uncovered a network of sham vendors and shell companies that submitted false claims for meal reimbursements. Prosecutors also documented large-scale money laundering tied to the operation.
According to the FBI, the case has already led to 78 indictments and 57 convictions. Those charged include Abdiwahab Ahmed Mohamud, Ahmed Ali, Hussein Farah, Abdullahe Nur Jesow, Asha Farhan Hassan, Ousman Camara, and Abdirashid Bixi Dool. Prosecutors accused them of crimes that included wire fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering. Patel described the scheme as one of the largest pandemic-related fraud cases in the country. He said the bureau will continue to trace stolen funds and pursue anyone involved.
Federal officials say the fraud extended beyond stolen funds. Investigators also uncovered efforts to interfere with the judicial process. Abdimajid Mohamed Nur and others faced charges for attempting to bribe a juror with $120,000 in cash during the Feeding Our Future trial. Authorities said those involved later pleaded guilty. Courts imposed stiff penalties in related cases. Sentences included prison terms of up to 10 years and nearly $48 million in restitution orders.
“These criminals didn’t just engage in historic fraud,” Patel said. “They also tried to subvert justice.”
The FBI believes the Feeding Our Future case represents only a fraction of the fraud committed in Minnesota. Patel warned that more cases could follow as investigators continue to review financial records and program data.
“This is just the tip of a very large iceberg,” he said. “We will continue to follow the money and protect children.”
Federal officials also confirmed that some defendants have been referred to immigration authorities. Those referrals could lead to denaturalization or deportation proceedings, where allowed by law.
The renewed spotlight on Minnesota fraud cases followed the spread of a viral video posted by independent journalist Nick Shirley. The footage focused on the Quality Learning Center, a daycare in south Minneapolis. Shirley reported that the center received about $4 million in state funding. In the video, he visited the site on a weekday and found the building closed, with no children present. The video showed a woman confronting Shirley and accusing him of being an immigration enforcement agent. The encounter quickly spread across social media platforms.
The footage prompted calls for accountability from Republican leaders across the country. Several lawmakers criticized Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s administration and demanded closer oversight of state and federal aid programs. As the debate continues, the FBI says its focus remains unchanged. Patel emphasized that the bureau will pursue fraud cases regardless of political pressure or online attention.
“Fraud that steals from taxpayers and robs vulnerable children will remain a top FBI priority in Minnesota and nationwide,” he said. Federal investigators say they expect more developments as the probe moves forward.
