Federal probe targets alleged Minnesota Somali fraud ‘network’ as COVID-aid crime rings persist
The Small Business Administration is investigating a network of Somali groups in Minnesota that it says is tied to a massive COVID fraud scandal highlighting alleged systemic failures by Gov....
By Fox News · Fox News
The Small Business Administration is investigating a network of Somali groups in Minnesota that it says is tied to a massive COVID fraud scandal highlighting alleged systemic failures by Gov. Tim Walz’s team to properly audit public funds. Walz , the 2024 Democratic vice-presidential nominee, has become embroiled in a scandal that has already led to charges against dozens of people – mostly Somali – and prompted allegations from civil servants in his administration who have spoken of retaliation against whistleblowers and institutional negligence. "Numerous individuals and nonprofits indicted in the $1 billion Minnesota COVID fraud scandal , including Feeding Our Future, received SBA PPP loans in addition to other state and federal funding," Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler announced on X. "I have ordered an investigation into the network of Somali organizations and executives implicated in these schemes." ‘DOGE’ SENATOR SEEKS TO ENSURE FEDS CAN CONTINUE PURSUING COVID FRAUDSTERS, DEBTORS, AS IG SOUNDS ALARM She added: "Despite Governor Walz’s best efforts to obstruct, SBA continues to work to expose abuse and hold perpetrators accountable, full stop." An SBA spokesperson confirmed the probe to Fox News Digital, saying the agency is "investigating all individuals and organizations indicted as part of the $1 billion Minnesota COVID fraud scheme to identify any that may have also fraudulently obtained PPP loans - evaluating their citizenship status, the legitimacy of their nonprofit work, and other requirements for eligibility." "The agency will provide additional details as the scope of fraud across these Somali networks are uncovered – and remains committed to clawing back all funding that was illegally obtained on behalf of American taxpayers," SBA spokesperson Maggie Clemmons said. GOP LEADERSHIP UNLEASHES FURY ON DEM GOVERNOR AHEAD OF BLOCKBUSTER CONGRESSIONAL HEARING President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the Somali community in Minnesota was "garb…