A massive fraud scheme involving $250 million from a federally funded children’s nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic has been described as one of the worst in Minnesota history by FBI Director Kash Patel.
Patel told Fox News that 70 individuals in Minnesota have been indicted for their participation in the “Feeding our Future” fraud, which exploited a federal program intended to reimburse states for feeding children.
The accused conspirators falsely claimed to have provided millions of meals during the pandemic. Instead, they diverted the funds for personal enrichment, prosecutors say.
Of those indicted, 38 have pleaded guilty so far, while over a dozen defendants await trial. The next trial is scheduled to begin in August.
Patel condemned the scheme, saying stealing more than $250 million from children during a pandemic to finance mansions and luxury cars was “as shameless as it gets.”
He praised the FBI and its partners for dismantling the corruption and holding those responsible accountable, per Fox News.
The fraud involved fabricating invoices and submitting fake attendance records to justify reimbursement claims under the Federal Child Nutrition Program.
Conspirators also falsely reported distributing thousands of meals through hundreds of so-called food distribution “sites” across Minnesota.
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