FBI threatens Somali scammers over uncovered Minnesota fraud
Federal agents executed a search warrant Dec. 18, 2025, at Ultimate Home Health Services, a Somali-owned home care agency, as part of a widening investigation into a Minnesota Medicaid fraud scandal, according to law enforcement sources. FNTV
FBI Director Kash Patel has warned that a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme uncovered in Minnesota “is just the tip of a very large iceberg,” threatening convicted Somali scammers with potential denaturalization and deportation.
In a detailed statement on social media, Patel said the FBI “had surged personnel and investigative resources” to Minnesota to tackle the schemes even before they gained attention online. Many of those indicted were from the state’s Somali community, the largest immigrant group in Minnesota.
“To date, the FBI dismantled a $250 million fraud scheme that stole federal food aid meant for vulnerable children during COVID,” Patel said. “The investigation exposed sham vendors, shell companies, and large-scale money laundering tied to the Feeding Our Future network.” The case resulted in 78 indictments and 57 convictions.
Patel named several defendants, including Abdiwahab Ahmed Mohamud, Ahmed Ali, Hussein Farah, Abdullahe Nur Jesow, Asha Farhan Hassan, Ousman Camara, and Abdirashid Bixi Dool, who faced charges ranging from wire fraud to money laundering and conspiracy.
He also highlighted that Abdimajid Mohamed Nur and others attempted to bribe a juror with $120,000 in cash. Those responsible pleaded guilty and were sentenced, with penalties including a 10-year prison term and nearly $48 million in restitution in related cases.
“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 remains ongoing,” Patel said. “Many are also being referred to immigration officials for possible denaturalization and deportation proceedings where eligible.”
The announcement followed a viral social media video showing alleged fraud involving Minnesota childcare and learning centers. The video, shared by independent journalist Nick Shirley, suggested that many facilities were non-operational fronts.
Republican leaders, including Vice President JD Vance, criticized Gov. Tim Walz, accusing him of sitting “idly by while billions were stolen from hardworking Minnesotans,” according to House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn. Walz addressed the issue at a press conference in November, before the full scope of the alleged abuse was revealed.
“This scandal undermines trust in government and programs critical to improving quality of life,” Walz said. “If you’re committing fraud, no matter who you are, you are going to go to jail.”
Shirley, meanwhile, criticized Walz during an appearance on Fox’s The Big Weekend Show, claiming the governor was more focused on politics than action. “There better be change. People are demanding it,” Shirley said. He added that the fraud was so obvious “even a kindergartener” could see it.
The alleged schemes date back to 2015, when some day care centers were accused of overcharging Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program. More recent cases involved Medicaid-funded disability programs, including housing initiatives for seniors and disabled individuals. Authorities shut down these programs earlier this year after uncovering large-scale fraud.
Last month, President Trump announced the suspension of Temporary Protected Status for Somali immigrants, citing Minnesota as “a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity.”
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