Minnesota Officials Face Federal Investigation Over Alleged Fraud and Obstruction

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., said Thursday that she and other House Oversight Committee members have referred Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to the Department of Justice for investigation, accusing them of obstructing federal scrutiny of alleged fraud in social services programs.

Luna stated that her office had communicated with DOJ officials on Thursday who confirmed receipt of both referrals. She also said the committee has pursued testimony from Neville Roy Singham, a U.S. citizen and businessman she accused of supporting “left-leaning pro-communist organizations” that benefit only the Chinese Communist Party.

Luna claimed Singham should be registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act and described his activities as a “FARA violation.” She alleged investigators traced a “money trail” linking Singham to anti-ICE activism, including protests tied to Minnesota fraud investigations involving the Somali community.

The remarks followed ongoing federal scrutiny of Minnesota programs, with questions about improper use of taxpayer dollars in housing assistance, food aid, and unemployment benefits. In an interview clip, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stated: “Of course we’ve done enough, and we’re doing more every single day.” He added: “This is a political matter. This is not a serious thing.”

Luna rejected Ellison’s characterization, asserting both he and Walz violated federal law. She said she is “very positive and comfortable in my position” that the individuals broke federal law and will be held accountable by the Department of Justice.

Luna also reported contacting Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding related inquiries but noted no response had been received as of Thursday. Meanwhile, Bessent appeared at the Economic Club of Minnesota to discuss administration priorities amid ongoing federal reviews of allegations tied to Minnesota programs.

No DOJ spokesperson was immediately cited in the interview, and Luna did not specify which statutes were alleged to have been violated or the evidence included in her referrals.