Rep. Brad Finstad says foreign governments that protect fraudsters who rip off U.S. taxpayers shouldn’t see a dime of American aid.
On Tuesday, Finstad introduced the Fraud Accountability and Recovery (FAR) Act, legislation that would block foreign assistance to any country that harbors individuals convicted of defrauding the United States or refuses to help return stolen taxpayer dollars.
“Hardworking Americans should never have to foot the bill for criminals who defraud federal programs and then hide behind foreign borders,” said Finstad, a Republican from Minnesota. “The Fraud Accountability and Recovery Act sends a clear message: If you steal from U.S. taxpayers, you cannot escape accountability by moving money or yourself overseas. We will do everything in our power to recover stolen funds and hold bad actors responsible.”
Triggered by Feeding Our Future scandal
The legislation was prompted by revelations in Minnesota’s Feeding Our Future scandal — the nation’s largest COVID-19 fraud case. Prosecutors exposed how defendants funneled millions of dollars in pandemic funds overseas, including to Kenya. In one instance, a federal judge confirmed the U.S. had no way to get the money back.
Earlier this month, Alpha News reported that federal prosecutors indicted Ahmednaji Maalim Aftin Sheikh, a 28-year-old Kenyan national, for his alleged role in laundering fraud proceeds overseas.
Sheikh’s older brother, Abdiaziz Farah, was sentenced to 28 years in prison earlier this year after falsely claiming his group was serving millions of meals to children during the pandemic. Prosecutors say Farah pocketed more than $8 million — with some of that money going to purchase real estate in Kenya.
Authorities allege Farah sent money to Sheikh, who helped hide and invest the funds through sham companies. The brothers discussed their fortune over text messages, including one in which Farah told Sheikh: “You are gonna be the richest 25 year old InshaAllah.”
“I share the outrage of my fellow Minnesotans at seeing money meant to feed hungry children converted into fortunes half a world away,” Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said earlier this month.
In all, the Feeding Our Future scam saw more than $250 million stolen from programs meant to feed children. The money went to luxury homes, cars, and overseas accounts instead.
So far, the Department of Justice has charged 75 people with crimes ranging from wire fraud and conspiracy to bribery and money laundering.
No more free ride
According to the Government Accountability Office, the federal government bleeds between $233 billion and $521 billion each year to fraud. Finstad argues it’s outrageous that U.S. taxpayers not only lose those funds but also continue sending aid to countries that shelter criminals and stolen money.
Finstad’s office believes that too many foreign governments “thumb their nose” at the U.S., refusing to return stolen taxpayer money — yet still cashing American aid checks.
The FAR Act would change the rules: cooperate on fraud recovery or lose access to U.S. dollars.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
