Massive Somali Welfare Fraud Cases in Minnesota—Here’s What We Know

Billions in taxpayers’ money has been stolen; millions could have gone to terrorists—an allegation lawmakers are asking federal prosecutors to investigate.

Aimee Bock, founder and executive director of the nonprofit organization Feeding Our Future, arrives at the Minneapolis federal courthouse with her attorney, Ken Udoibok (R), in Minneapolis on March 19, 2025. Kerem Yücel/Minnesota Public Radio via AP

Networks of fraudsters, many from Minnesota’s Somali community, exploited welfare programs and raked in billions of taxpayer dollars, according to authorities.

At least three major scandals are involved, one of which has been developing for years. Two others recently surfaced. Then came new revelations that inspired presidential action and touched off calls for further investigation.