How Minnesota fraudsters spent millions intended for hungry kids

Name: How Minnesota fraudsters spent millions intended for hungry kids
Uploaded: 2025-12-12T01:23:20.699Z
Duration: 2 min 55 s
Description: The Somali community in Minnesota has been in the news recently because of a massive federal fraud case -- and heated political rhetoric from President Trump. Jonah Kaplan of CBS Minnesota continues his reporting on the scandal, with a look at how fraudsters spent hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars.

CBS America · Just In

CBS America

Just In

The Somali community in Minnesota has been in the news recently because of a massive federal fraud case -- and heated political rhetoric from President Trump. Jonah Kaplan of CBS Minnesota continues his reporting on the scandal, with a look at how fraudsters spent hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars.

Breakdown

Over a billion dollars stolen from Minnesota programs for vulnerable children 1m 3s
87 charged, 61 convicted; majority are Somali-American 1m 6s
Stolen funds spent on luxury items, overseas properties, and large cash withdrawals 19s
No evidence funds went to terror groups; motive was personal enrichment 1m 59s
Governor Walz to appoint a statewide fraud czar; Somali community fears collective blame 2m 45s