Treasury Targets Somali-Linked Fraud in Minnesota Amid Terrorist Financing Concerns

Central to the crackdown is a new geographic targeting order covering Hennepin and Ramsey counties, which include Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Treasury Targets Somali-Linked Fraud in Minnesota Amid Terrorist Financing Concerns
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in the Oval Office of the White House on Nov. 21, 2025. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
Tom Ozimek
Tom Ozimek
Reporter
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The U.S. Treasury has launched an enforcement campaign targeting Somali-linked fraud networks in Minnesota, unveiling enhanced financial surveillance, overseas remittance restrictions, and multiple federal investigations amid mounting concerns that stolen taxpayer funds may have been laundered abroad and potentially diverted to terrorist groups.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking at a press conference in Minneapolis on Jan. 9, said the administration is moving aggressively to recover funds, hold perpetrators accountable, and prevent federal aid from being exploited by what he described as organized fraud rings operating through Minnesota’s social services and financial systems.
Tom Ozimek
Tom Ozimek
Reporter
Tom Ozimek is a senior reporter for The Epoch Times. He has a broad background in journalism, deposit insurance, marketing and communications, and adult education.
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