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FBI Floods Minnesota With Agents as Massive Somali Fraud Scandal Explodes [WATCH]

FBI Director Kash Patel said Sunday that the bureau has surged additional personnel and investigative resources to Minnesota as part of an ongoing effort “to dismantle large-scale fraud schemes exploiting federal programs,” citing major cases already prosecuted and additional investigations that remain active.

Patel said the FBI moved resources into Minnesota prior to recent online attention surrounding alleged misuse of public funds, emphasizing that federal investigators have been working in the state for an extended period.

He pointed to the Feeding Our Future investigation as a key example of the scope of the bureau’s efforts.

That case uncovered a $250 million scheme that siphoned federal food aid intended for children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Patel, the Feeding Our Future investigation has already resulted in 78 indictments and 57 convictions.

He said prosecutors have also charged defendants in a separate plot connected to the case involving an alleged attempt to bribe a juror with $120,000 in cash.

Patel said the broader investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to pursue additional leads.

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“The FBI believes this is just the tip of a very large iceberg. We will continue to follow the money and protect children, and this investigation very much remains ongoing,” Patel wrote in a post on X.

“Furthermore, many are also being referred to immigrations officials for possible further denaturalization and deportation proceedings where eligible.”

Patel’s comments came as a viral video circulating online raised new questions about oversight of state-funded programs in Minnesota.

The video focused on a daycare facility in Minneapolis that allegedly received millions of dollars in state funding despite appearing largely inactive.

The footage sparked renewed scrutiny from political figures and prompted calls for accountability from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and his administration.

While acknowledging the recent attention generated by social media, Patel said the FBI’s actions were already underway before the video gained traction.

He said federal authorities are aware of the online reports but stressed that the surge of resources was not a reactionary move.

“The FBI is aware of recent social media reports in Minnesota,” Patel said, adding that the bureau’s latest actions began beforehand.

The Feeding Our Future case became one of the largest pandemic-related fraud prosecutions in the country, exposing how federal nutrition programs intended to serve children were exploited during a national emergency.

Prosecutors have alleged that defendants submitted fraudulent claims and diverted funds for personal use, including luxury purchases, while falsely claiming to provide meals to children.

Patel said the FBI’s focus in Minnesota extends beyond a single case and reflects a broader effort to address fraud involving federal programs.

He said investigators are continuing to track financial flows tied to suspected schemes and are coordinating with prosecutors as cases develop.

The FBI director also highlighted the agency’s coordination with immigration authorities in certain cases, noting that some individuals connected to the investigations may face additional legal consequences beyond criminal charges.

According to Patel, referrals to immigration officials are being made “where eligible,” including potential denaturalization and deportation proceedings.

Gov. Walz and his administration have faced questions in the past about oversight and safeguards surrounding pandemic-era spending programs, though no new statements were immediately issued following Patel’s announcement.

He said the FBI will continue deploying resources as needed to pursue additional evidence and identify those responsible for exploiting federal programs.

The FBI has urged anyone with information related to federal fraud schemes to cooperate with investigators as the agency continues its efforts in Minnesota.



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