In a series of investigative reports published in December 2025, CBS News has shed new light on one of the largest pandemic-related fraud cases in U.S. history: the Feeding Our Future scandal in Minnesota. What began as a program to feed low-income children during the COVID-19 crisis turned into a sprawling scheme that defrauded taxpayers of hundreds of millions—potentially exceeding $1 billion when including related cases in housing and autism services.
CBS News obtained exclusive access to dozens of previously unreleased court exhibits from federal trials, revealing how defendants allegedly spent stolen funds on extravagant luxuries. Photos and documents show purchases including:
- Overwater private villas in the Maldives
- Lakefront homes in Minnesota
- High-end sports cars like Porsche Macans
- First-class international flights
- Stacks of cash and overseas wire transfers to China and East Africa
One defendant, Abdiaziz Shafii Farah, sentenced to 28 years in prison, wired over $1 million to Chinese banks alone. Prosecutors describe the motivation as “pure, unmitigated greed.”
Handyman from Minneapolis says that over the past few years, he’s seen the Somali population become the majority in the area. He adds that when he works on Section 8 homes, he notices that roughly nine out of ten residents he encounters are Somali, and many of them are driving… pic.twitter.com/Xn3aj51BRC
— I Meme Therefore I Am
(@ImMeme0) December 2, 2025
WOW
More Minnesota judges are dismissing fraud cases against Somalia immigrants
– Judge dismissed the $7.2 million fraud case after he was found guilty be a jury
– Another judge dismissed charges against the same defendants wife before it could reach trial
– A third judge,… pic.twitter.com/EYMHAVMymW— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) December 12, 2025
The core scheme involved the nonprofit Feeding Our Future, which sponsored meal sites under federal child nutrition programs. Instead of distributing meals, participants submitted fake invoices and rosters, pocketing administrative fees and kickbacks. Founder Aimee Bock was convicted earlier in 2025, among dozens of others—many of Somali descent—bringing total charges to nearly 90 and convictions to over 60.
CBS reporting also highlighted early warning signs dating back to 2019, before the pandemic, when state officials flagged unrealistic meal claims but faced pressure to approve reimbursements. Related fraud in other Minnesota programs has pushed the total stolen amount into the billions, according to federal sources.
The scandal has drawn national political attention, with ongoing investigations into oversight lapses and fund destinations. In response, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced a new statewide fraud prevention program on December 13, 2025.
CBS News’ in-depth coverage, including exhibits made public for the first time, underscores the scale of the betrayal: funds meant for hungry children diverted to personal enrichment on a staggering level. Investigations continue, with prosecutors vowing more charges ahead.
SOURCES:
Minnesota officials saw signs of massive fraud even before COVID hit – CBS News
Somali Welfare Use Would Be High Even Without Fraud | National Review
See how Minnesota fraudsters spent millions earmarked for hungry kids
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