FBI Director Kash Patel says the multimillion-dollar fraud uncovered in Minnesota “is just the tip of a very large iceberg,” as he threatened convicted Somali scammers with denaturalization and deportation.
Director Patel said that the FBI “had surged personnel and investigative resources” to the North Star State to take down the fraud schemes even before they had gained attention online, in a lengthy statement on social media.
“To date, the FBI dismantled a $250 million fraud scheme that stole federal food aid meant for vulnerable children during COVID,” Patel wrote.
“The investigation exposed sham vendors, shell companies, and large-scale money laundering tied to the Feeding Our Future network,” he added.
That case saw 78 indictments and 57 convictions.
“Defendants included Abdiwahab Ahmed Mohamud, Ahmed Ali, Hussein Farah, Abdullahe Nur Jesow, Asha Farhan Hassan, Ousman Camara, and Abdirashid Bixi Dool, each charged for roles ranging from wire fraud to money laundering and conspiracy,” he said.
“Abdimajid Mohamed Nur and others were charged for attempting to bribe a juror with $120,000 in cash. Those responsible pleaded guilty and were sentenced, including a 10-year prison term and nearly $48 million in restitution in related cases,” Patel said, before warning that the issues may go far deeper.
“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,” he said.
“Furthermore, many are also being referred to immigrations officials for possible further denaturalization and deportation proceedings where eligible,” he said.
