In the heart of Minnesota, a courtroom drama unfolds as federal authorities prosecute a web of Somali migrants accused of orchestrating a jaw-dropping $250 million COVID relief fraud. But as the trial progresses, bribery attempts and shocking revelations threaten to unravel justice itself, leaving the fate of the accused and the integrity of the legal system hanging in the balance.
In one of the most significant trials concerning coronavirus relief fraud nationwide, two jurors have been dismissed. Federal authorities are prosecuting over three dozen Somali Muslim migrants in Minnesota, accusing them of defrauding the government of $250 million meant for needy children.
The first juror was dismissed after disclosing that someone delivered $120,000 in cash to her relative, allegedly in exchange for a vote of acquittal for the defendants. The second juror was dismissed the following day when authorities discovered another attempt to bribe them with the same amount of cash for a similar vote, as reported by NBC News.
The initial juror claimed knowledge of the woman behind the bribery attempt and mentioned the promise of more bribes if the jury ruled in favor of acquittal. Both jurors have been replaced with alternates.
This trial marks the first among approximately 60 Somali migrants facing charges. In this instance, prosecutors are targeting six men and one woman accused of defrauding the government through the "Feeding Our Future" program, intended to provide food to needy children.
According to prosecutors, the scheme involved establishing an organization named "Feeding Our Future," ostensibly aimed at delivering food to underprivileged children during the pandemic. Allegedly, the defendants utilized deceptive entities to apply for relief funding at mosques across Minnesota. Despite claiming to feed thousands of children daily, authorities assert that very few actually received aid.
"This was a bold and extensive scheme," remarked U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger in 2022 when announcing the case's initiation. "These defendants exploited a program meant to offer nutritious food to struggling children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, they prioritized their own financial gain."
Eighteen of those initially charged in the case pleaded guilty. The remaining suspects, around 50, maintain their innocence and are currently undergoing trial in multiple proceedings.
Court authorities have confiscated the defendants' phones to investigate the bribery allegations, while search warrants have been issued to inspect the homes and belongings of the dismissed jurors.
.png)