Minnesota Pandemic Aid Fraud

House Oversight, led by Rep. James Comer, has opened a probe into Gov. Tim Walz over what Republicans describe as nearly $1 billion in Minnesota COVID-era school meals fraud, citing allegations that some charged individuals donated to state officials and prompting Rep. Ilhan Omar to demand prosecution if any terrorism links emerge. Federal investigations — including the U.S. Attorney’s Office, a new Treasury probe and DOJ actions — have produced at least 77 indictments, uncovered fictitious providers and luxury purchases, recovered roughly $60 million of an estimated $250 million in some counts, produced lengthy prison terms and restitution orders, and released trial exhibits showing money moved overseas (including to China and Kenya) even as investigators say they have found no evidence funds went to al-Shabaab.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent issued a Geographic Targeting Order requiring enhanced reporting by Minnesota money services businesses and has deployed Treasury personnel on the ground as FinCEN and the IRS prepare Notices of Investigation and heightened examinations, with reports to be rapidly shared with law enforcement. The actions tie to scrutiny of the Feeding Our Future pandemic‑era fraud — a roughly $250 million scheme that has produced about $60 million recovered, at least 77 indictments and high‑profile sentences — as Treasury says it is tracking transfers to the Middle East and Somalia amid disputed claims about links to al-Shabaab (investigators have also documented extensive luxury spending) and allegations by Bessent that some defendants donated to Minnesota officials.