Ringleader of $250M Minn. welfare fraud scandal ordered by judge to forfeit Porsche, luxury goods
Bock was found guilty in March on federal charges of wire fraud, bribery and conspiracy. Obtained by the NY Post
The founder of a Minnesota-based nonprofit at the center of a massive welfare fraud case has been ordered to surrender millions of dollars and luxury items obtained through the scheme.
Aimee Bock, 44, the architect of the Feeding Our Future scandal, was convicted in March on federal charges including wire fraud, bribery, and conspiracy. Prosecutors described the case as the largest COVID-19 relief fraud scheme in the nation, involving funds intended to provide meals to low-income children during the pandemic.
Bock, who is awaiting sentencing, was ordered by a federal judge on Dec. 30 to forfeit approximately $5.2 million held in nonprofit-related bank accounts, along with a Porsche Panamera, dozens of laptops and electronic devices, diamond jewelry, and luxury Louis Vuitton accessories. Court filings show the forfeiture also includes a necklace, bracelet, earrings, and multiple iPads and iPhones.
According to the Justice Department, 78 people have been charged and 57 convicted so far in connection with the Feeding Our Future investigation. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that 72 defendants are of Somali descent, and five suspects remain fugitives believed to be in Africa.
Federal authorities allege that, in addition to spending fraud proceeds on luxury goods and vehicles, defendants sent millions of dollars overseas to East Africa and the Middle East. Bondi has estimated the total losses from the scheme could reach as high as $400 million. To date, prosecutors have recovered roughly $75 million of the stolen funds.
The case returned to national attention after President Trump publicly criticized what he described as widespread fraud in Minnesota involving Somali-linked organizations. Independent journalist Nick Shirley has also reported on daycare centers in the state, raising questions about whether some may be fraudulent operations.
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