Federal authorities have expanded their investigative footprint in Minnesota as part of a broader effort to crack down on fraud targeting government assistance programs, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.
Per Fox News, Patel said the FBI had already deployed additional agents and resources to the state prior to a recent surge of online scrutiny surrounding alleged misuse of public funds.
In remarks made Sunday, Patel pointed to the long-running Feeding Our Future case as a key example of the bureau’s intensified focus.
That investigation exposed a sprawling scheme that diverted roughly $250 million in federal nutrition aid intended for children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Federal authorities have expanded their investigative footprint in Minnesota as part of a broader effort to crack down on fraud targeting government assistance programs, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.
Per Fox News, Patel said the FBI had already deployed additional agents and resources to the state prior to a recent surge of online scrutiny surrounding alleged misuse of public funds.
In remarks made Sunday, Patel pointed to the long-running Feeding Our Future case as a key example of the bureau’s intensified focus.
That investigation exposed a sprawling scheme that diverted roughly $250 million in federal nutrition aid intended for children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Patel, the case has so far produced 78 indictments and 57 convictions. Prosecutors have also brought charges in a related effort involving an alleged attempt to bribe a juror with $120,000 in cash.
Patel emphasized that the probe is far from complete.
“The FBI believes this is just the tip of a very large iceberg. We will continue to follow the money and protect children, and this investigation very much remains ongoing,” he wrote on X.
“Furthermore, many are also being referred to immigrations officials for possible further denaturalization and deportation proceedings where eligible.”
The director’s comments followed the circulation of a viral video that raised questions about a Minneapolis daycare facility said to have received millions of dollars in state funding despite appearing largely inactive.
The footage prompted renewed calls from political figures for accountability from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and his administration.
Patel acknowledged the online reports but stressed that federal action in the state was already underway before the video gained widespread attention.
“The FBI is aware of recent social media reports in Minnesota,” Patel said, noting that the FBI’s latest actions began beforehand.
Federal officials have not indicated when additional charges or findings may be announced, but Patel said investigators remain committed to dismantling what they believe could be a far broader network of fraud.
THE THIRD FORCE
