$250 Million Food Aid Stolen for Mansions and Luxury Travel, Feds Say

Federal prosecutors have revealed stunning details in one of the largest pandemic fraud cases in U.S. history. They say a Minnesota scheme stole $250 million meant to feed needy children. The money, from federal child nutrition programs, was instead spent on personal luxury. Court documents show purchases of luxury cars, expensive jewelry, and international travel. Funds were also used to buy real estate, including homes in Minnesota and property in Kenya and Turkey. The case centers on the nonprofit "Feeding Our Future." Prosecutors allege the organization created fake meal distribution sites and submitted invoices for millions of meals that were never served. Over 60 people have been charged. A judge has now frozen assets and seized property from the accused. Officials say tens of millions in stolen taxpayer money remains tied up as the legal case continues. The scheme exploited rules that were relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic to speed up food aid.