The FBI has sent additional agents to Minnesota to investigate alleged large-scale fraud linked to pandemic-era federal aid, citing a previous $250 million case that produced 78 indictments and 57 convictions. Federal prosecutors estimate up to $9 billion may have been stolen across schemes tied to the state’s Somali community. A viral 42-minute video alleging a Minneapolis daycare received $4 million has intensified public scrutiny, while political attacks and questions about Representative Ilhan Omar’s family finances have further heightened tensions. Investigations are ongoing and allegations remain subject to legal process.
FBI Sends Additional Agents To Minnesota Amid Probes Into Large-Scale Pandemic-Era Fraud
FBI director Kash Patel speaks during a press conference in Washington DC on 27 November.Photograph: Nathan Howard/Reuters
The FBI has deployed extra personnel and investigative resources to Minnesota to "dismantle large-scale fraud schemes exploiting federal programs," Director Kash Patel said on social media. The agency points to a prior case that led to dozens of indictments and convictions and says it is continuing to investigate related allegations.
Background
Patel highlighted a case in which investigators dismantled what officials described as a $250 million fraud ring that allegedly diverted federal food aid intended for vulnerable children during the Covid-19 pandemic. That operation resulted in 78 indictments and 57 convictions, according to the FBI.
Scope Of Investigations And Ongoing Actions
Federal prosecutors have estimated that as much as $9 billion may have been stolen across schemes linked to Minnesota’s Somali community — an amount that has drawn broad attention because of its scale. Patel warned that investigators believe “this is just the tip of a very large iceberg,” and said some suspects are being referred to immigration officials for potential denaturalization and deportation proceedings where eligible.
Viral Report And Local Reaction
The director also referenced recent social media attention in Minnesota surrounding an online report by independent journalist Nick Shirley. The report included a 42-minute video alleging that a Minneapolis daycare received about $4 million in funds despite reportedly having no enrolled children; the video was posted on December 26 and has been widely viewed. Patel said the FBI had already surged staff and resources into the state before the video and subsequent online conversation escalated.
Political Context And Community Impact
The investigations have intersected with political rhetoric and policy moves. Former President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Minnesota’s Somali immigrant community and last month ended certain legal protections for some Somali residents in the state, calling the area a “hub of fraudulent money laundering activity.” Reported remarks by Trump targeting Somali Americans and Representative Ilhan Omar have intensified tensions.
Representative Omar has pushed back against what she called an obsession with her and the Somali community, describing recent policy moves as “cruel” and “severely inhumane.” Omar has not been accused of wrongdoing. Separately, media reports about her husband Tim Mynett and his venture firm, Rose Lake Capital, prompted new scrutiny after filings and website changes; those reports include widely varying estimates of the couple’s net worth and note that some advisers were removed from the firm’s public listing.
Additional Notes
Some reporting has linked pandemic-era changes to school meal reimbursement rules — the Meals Act — to fraud schemes; Omar told Fox News Digital that the legislation did not cause the fraud and that it helped feed children during the pandemic. Authorities say investigations are ongoing, and allegations remain subject to legal processes. Individuals are presumed innocent unless charged and convicted in a court of law.
Editor’s note: This story contains allegations and reported claims that are under investigation. We have clarified where claims are alleged and noted when individuals have not been accused of crimes.
