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$13M Food Stamp Heist
A sprawling food stamp trafficking operation that netted over $13 million in illicit profits has been dismantled by federal authorities in South Florida.
The 22 retailers, including owners and operators of several flea market stalls in Opa-Locka and Hialeah, were charged with exchanging food stamps for cash, a scheme commonly known as "food stamp trafficking."
The indictments allege that the retailers received more than $13 million in federal payments for transactions in which they did not provide any food, defrauding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and denying healthy food options to thousands of low-income families.
"When individuals defraud governmental programs, they steal taxpayer-funded benefits that are intended to feed the families and children in our communities who are most in need," said United States Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer.
The federal investigation, led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG), was a joint operation involving the U.S. Marshals Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Miami-Dade Police Department, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
Attorney General Pam Bondi called food stamp trafficking a "serious crime tantamount to stealing from the hardworking taxpayers in our state," and vowed to hold the defendants accountable for their alleged conduct.
The case marks the largest combined financial fraud loss for a food stamp trafficking takedown in history, with the defendants allegedly pocketing millions in "fees" for converting food assistance benefits into cash.
The indictment also includes charges against six individuals for their alleged receipt of additional illegal payments during the course of their participation in fraudulent food stamp schemes.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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