MN Fraud Scandal Widens Amid Talk Of Deporting Ilhan Omar
Another member of a Minnesota family tied to one of the largest pandemic-era fraud scandals in the country is expected to plead guilty, according to court records, as political pressure grows surrounding the broader fallout from the case.
Gandi Mohamed, 45, is scheduled to enter a plea during a hearing Thursday in connection with the massive federal fraud scheme, according to reporting from Fox 9 Minneapolis.
Federal prosecutors allege that Mohamed and others fraudulently claimed to operate meal distribution sites under a federally funded child nutrition program while diverting millions of taxpayer dollars for personal use. Investigators say the operation siphoned off roughly $14 million in public funds.
Authorities say Mohamed would become the sixth member of his family to be convicted in connection with the sprawling scheme.
Bill Glahn, a policy fellow with Center of the American Experiment, said the convictions are welcome but argued a full public trial would have shed more light on the extent of the wrongdoing.
“it’s good that he and his co-conspirators have all been convicted in the case, however, a courtroom trial would have been a useful exercise to show the public the scope and scale of the fraud,” Glahn told Fox News Digital.
Controversial Meeting Raises Questions
Members of the Mohamed family also attended a controversial 2021 meeting involving Keith Ellison and members of Minnesota’s Somali community.
During the meeting — which was recorded — individuals later tied to the fraud case could be heard discussing funding concerns and political involvement while speaking with the state’s top law enforcement official.
“The only way that we can protect what we have is by inserting ourselves into the political arena. Putting our votes where it needs to be. But most importantly, putting our dollars in the right place. And supporting candidates that will fight to protect our interests,” one Somali community member said in the recording.
Ellison replied: “That’s right.”
The attorney general has firmly denied any wrongdoing, saying he had no knowledge of the alleged criminal activity at the time of the meeting. The gathering occurred before any indictments were issued and prior to charges being filed by the United States Department of Justice during the administration of former President Joe Biden.
Still, critics argue the meeting raises troubling questions about oversight and political accountability.
Republican congressional candidate Dalia al-Aqidi, who is challenging Rep. Ilhan Omar, blasted Ellison and called the situation a betrayal of public trust.
“Our Attorney General, Keith Ellison, is not only looking the other way but doing so after taking donations from these very fraudsters,” al-Aqidi told Fox News Digital. “This is a betrayal of every Minnesotan who trusted him with that office.”
“Which is why I’ve rolled out a five-point plan to prevent fraud before it starts,” al-Aqidi added, saying voters in Omar’s district are “furious” over the scandal.
“This isn’t just about taxpayers, it’s about people who really need food and housing. Preventing fraud isn’t complicated, it just takes the political will to stop this type of abuse. It’s clear that this scheme is being used to buy votes, and that has to stop,” he said.
Deportation Debate Reignites
The controversy has also reignited debate around Rep. Omar’s immigration history.
An unofficial X account representing the Republic of Somaliland posted a message suggesting Omar should be extradited to the region following recent comments by Vice President JD Vance.
“Deportation? Please you’re just sending the princess back to her kingdom. Extradition? Say the word …” the post read.
During a recent interview with commentator Benny Johnson, Vance said he believes Omar committed immigration fraud in the early 2000s and indicated the administration may explore possible legal action.
“We think Ilhan Omar definitely committed immigration fraud against the United States of America,” Vance said.
“We’re trying to look at what the remedies are,” he continued. “That’s the thing that we’re trying to figure out is what are the legal remedies now that we know that she’s committed immigration fraud — how do you go after her, how do you investigate her, how do you actually do the thing, how do you build a case necessary to get some justice for the American people?”
Vance also said he has discussed the matter with White House immigration adviser Stephen Miller as officials examine potential legal avenues.
The case surrounding the Minnesota fraud scheme continues to unfold, even as political tensions surrounding it escalate in Washington.