CNN and MS NOW Ignore $9 Billion Industrial-Scale' Minnesota Fraud Claims

"Federal prosecutors claim a wide-ranging Minnesota fraud scheme ripped off more than $9 billion in taxpayer dough but loyal MS NOW and CNN viewers haven't heard a thing about it. A review of MS NOW and CNN's broadcasts since December 18 when prosecutors claimed the fraud operation was much larger than previously reported shows it has not been mentioned a single time by either outlet. Both outlets do not have stories on the fraud scheme on their respective websites, either."

"First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said the sprawling scam ripped off a number of government programs, from Medicaid to housing assistance to pandemic-era programs. The magnitude cannot be overstated, Thompson said. What we see in Minnesota is not a handful of bad actors committing crimes. It's staggering, industrial-scale fraud. Thompson said the scam was so easy that it enticed crooks from other states to come to Minnesota to steal funds."

"The scheme, the New York Post reported, was pulled off by dozens of people the vast majority from Minnesota's Somali community. More than 90 people have been charged. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) has faced sharp criticism for the scheme happening under his nose. He defended himself last week by saying prosecutors were speculating about the massive scope; to extrapolate what that number is for sensationalism, he added, doesn't really help. The scam has also led to criticism of Minnesota's Somali community."

Federal prosecutors say a wide-ranging Minnesota fraud scheme siphoned more than $9 billion in taxpayer funds. Prosecutors allege the operation targeted multiple government programs, including Medicaid, housing assistance, and pandemic-era relief, and attracted participants from other states. Media analysis found MS NOW and CNN did not mention the probe on broadcasts or their websites after December 18, while Fox News and NewsNation provided coverage. Law enforcement reports indicate dozens involved, over 90 charged, and criticism has focused on Minnesota's Somali community. Governor Tim Walz defended his response, calling scope estimates speculative, while independent reporting found some Somali-run daycares empty.

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