Unveiling a $250 Million COVID Aid Scandal in Minneapolis

Map highlighting Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin.

The $250 million Feeding Our Future fraud scheme in Minneapolis exposes massive COVID aid misuse under Governor Walz’s watch.

At a Glance

47 defendants charged in $250 million fraud scheme involving federally-funded child nutrition program
Funds meant for feeding underserved children during pandemic diverted for personal luxury purchases
Feeding Our Future’s federal funding skyrocketed from $3.4 million in 2019 to nearly $200 million in 2021
State audit reveals major failures by Minnesota’s Education Department in program oversight
Five out of seven defendants found guilty in recent trial, with juror bribery attempt complicating proceedings

Massive Fraud Scheme Uncovered

In a shocking revelation, the Department of Justice has charged 47 defendants in a $250 million fraud scheme involving a federally-funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic. The case, centered around the nonprofit Feeding Our Future, has been described as the largest pandemic relief fraud to date. Defendants allegedly exploited funds meant for feeding underserved children in Minnesota, using the money for personal luxury purchases including cars, houses, jewelry, and international properties.

The fraud involved creating fake meal sites and shell companies to claim reimbursements for meals that were never served. Aimee Bock, founder of Feeding Our Future, is accused of overseeing the scheme, which saw the nonprofit’s federal funding increase from $3.4 million in 2019 to nearly $200 million in 2021. The defendants submitted false documentation, including meal count sheets and attendance rosters with fake names, to claim funds.

https://twitter.com/COVID_Oversight/status/1803147549001250150

Guilty Verdicts and Ongoing Investigations

In a recent trial, five out of seven defendants were found guilty in the Feeding Our Future COVID relief fraud case. The proceedings were complicated by a juror reportedly receiving a $120,000 bribe to vote for acquittal, leading to her dismissal and the sequestering of the jury. Abdiaziz Farah was found guilty on 23 counts, Mohamed Jama Ismail on three counts, Abdimajid Mohamed Nur on 10 counts, and both Mukhtar Mohamed Shariff and Hayat Nor on four counts each. Said Shafii Farah and Abdiwahab Maalim Aftin were found not guilty of their charges.

“The verdict confirms what we’ve known all along, which is that defendants falsified documents, they lied, and they fraudulently claimed to be feeding millions to children during COVID,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson.

The FBI continues to investigate, with charges related to juror bribery carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years. Federal authorities have recovered approximately $50 million of the stolen funds so far.

State Oversight Failures

A state audit report has revealed major failures by Minnesota’s Education Department in overseeing the federal program intended to feed children during the pandemic. The Education Department did not enforce program requirements, ignored warning signs, and was unprepared to handle issues with Feeding Our Future. The department was responsible for reviewing applications and conducting compliance checks but failed to follow up on serious findings from a 2018 review.

“We found that MDE’s inadequate oversight of Feeding Our Future created opportunities for fraud,” the auditor’s office said in a statement.

The audit highlighted that the department received at least 30 complaints about Feeding Our Future but inadequately investigated them. These revelations have raised questions about accountability under Governor Tim Walz’s administration and the overall oversight of pandemic relief efforts in Minnesota.

Broader Implications

The Feeding Our Future scandal is part of a larger issue of pandemic relief fraud across the United States. An AP analysis revealed widespread fraud in federal COVID-19 relief, with over $280 billion potentially stolen and $123 billion wasted. Nearly 3,200 defendants have been charged nationwide, with $1.4 billion in stolen aid recovered. The scandal has influenced Minnesota’s 2022 legislative session and campaign, with political disputes over responsibility and response.

“This was a brazen scheme of staggering proportions,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger for the District of Minnesota.

In response to the scandal, the Minnesota Department of Education now has an independent inspector general to better investigate fraud and waste. However, the case continues to raise questions about the effectiveness of government oversight and the need for stronger safeguards in future crisis response efforts.