U.S. Investigates Minnesota Fraud Tied to Al Shabaab Funding

The U.S. Treasury is investigating allegations that Minnesota welfare funds may have been diverted to al Shabaab, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization and al Qaeda affiliate based in Somalia. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced this inquiry on Monday, stating that the investigation is exploring claims of mismanagement under the Biden Administration and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Bessent shared a report from City Journal, which alleges that millions of dollars from Minnesota's welfare programs have ultimately reached al Shabaab, citing law enforcement sources. On Wednesday, House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep.

James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, launched a formal investigation into these allegations. Comer expressed serious concerns regarding how Governor Walz's administration managed these funds, emphasizing a need for documents and communications related to the fraud.

The scrutiny comes amid reports of widespread fraud in Minnesota's public assistance programs, with federal prosecutors charging dozens of individuals in a $250 million scheme involving the nonprofit group Feeding Our Future.

This group allegedly misappropriated federal nutrition aid by falsely claiming to distribute meals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fraud charges have also been associated with housing aid and autism programs.

Many of the accused are part of Minnesota's Somali community, which has faced increasing scrutiny and criticism. Governor Walz defended the Somali community against accusations of involvement in terrorism, stating that it is unjust to demonize an entire group without evidence.

Previous investigations, including a 2019 report from the state's Office of the Legislative Auditor, indicated that while there may be concerns about funds being sent overseas, they were unable to substantiate claims that state funds directly financed terrorist organizations.

Andy Lugar, a former U.S. attorney for Minnesota, noted that the individuals charged in the Feeding Our Future case were primarily motivated by personal gain rather than funding terrorism. This ongoing investigation raises significant concerns regarding the potential impact on local communities and national security.

President Trump has made statements linking the Somali community in Minnesota to fraudulent activities, claiming the state has become a hub for money laundering without providing evidence. These claims have sparked further division and scrutiny of the Somali American population in the state.