Federal law‑enforcement officials announced Friday that a coordinated effort by the White House Fraud Task Force resulted in criminal charges against four operators of childcare and healthcare centers in Minnesota. The operation recovered over $41 million that had been siphoned from taxpayer‑funded welfare programs.
Key arrests and alleged losses
FBI Director Kash Patel led a raid in St. Cloud that executed 17 search warrants and produced a 26‑count indictment. The defendants are:
- Feisal Elmi of Aspen Associates – 11 counts of healthcare fraud tied to an alleged $8 million loss.
- Jama Mohamod of American Home Health Care – six counts linked to $3.27 million.
- Faiza Ahmed of Home Sweet Home – eight counts involving $10 million.
- Habiba Mohamed of Smart Therapy – one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States concerning nearly $20 million.
Patel emphasized that the schemes were designed to steal funds intended for the most vulnerable Americans. “This FBI followed the money,” he said. “We will put in prison anyone who commits fraud anywhere in the world against any American citizen.”
Broader federal effort
Patel noted that the Minnesota cases are part of a larger probe linked to the nonprofit Feeding Our Future, which has produced charges against 81 people, secured 70 convictions, and generated more than $500 million in restitution orders.
Vice President J.D. Vance, who heads the task force, was slated to attend the briefing but cancelled at the last minute, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota.
Administration’s record on fraud
CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz called Minnesota a focal point for the nation’s “war on fraud,” noting that pandemic‑era relief created opportunities for abuse in health‑care networks. He praised the new partnership with the Internal Revenue Service, calling the IRS Criminal Investigation unit “one of the most effective groups in the United States government for fighting fraud.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted that, since the start of the Trump administration, law‑enforcement efforts have led to the arrest and charging of 115 fraudsters, 75 convictions, and nearly 3,000 subpoenas across Minnesota. He credited the expanded cooperation between the task force and the IRS for the recent successes.
Local impact and future actions
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division reported that 14 fraud defendants in Minnesota have already received prison sentences totaling 988 months. He pledged continued collaboration with the FBI, IRS, HSI, HHS, OIG, Postal Inspection Service, USDA OIG and other partners, stating, “This is still the beginning of our work in Minnesota. We will be here for as long as it takes to punish the wrongdoers.”
The crackdown sends a clear message to anyone who would exploit welfare programs intended to help families and children. By targeting both the operators and the financial networks that enable fraud, the Trump administration is reinforcing its commitment to protect American taxpayers and uphold the rule of law.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
