A U.S. federal court has sentenced Abdiaziz Farah, 36, to 28 years in prison after he was found to have played a part in a large COVID-19 relief fraud scheme.
This scheme involved stealing over Ksh6 billion ($48 million) in federal funds, some of which Farah allegedly used to buy luxury properties, including five luxury vehicles and property in Kenya.
Farah was a key leader in the Feeding Our Future scam, which defrauded the U.S. government of nearly $300 million ( Ksh 39 billion). This money was meant to support child nutrition programs during the coronavirus pandemic.
Abdiaziz Farah Sentenced to 28 Years in Prison
In addition to being sentenced to prison, Abdiaziz Farah is required to repay nearly $48 million (approximately Ksh 6.2 billion) to the U.S. government or other victims of his fraud.
Farah could also face more prison time in a related case where he pleaded guilty to trying to bribe a juror with a $120,000 ( Ksh 15.6 M) bag of cash.
Federal prosecutors allege that Farah and his associates created fake meal sites, submitted falsified invoices, and invented names of children to claim reimbursement from the government for meals that were never served.
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With the illegally obtained funds, Farah purchased five luxury vehicles and invested in real estate in both the United States and Kenya.
Farah was alleged to have taken more than $8 million over a year and a half period, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors indicated that the scam operated through a “pay-to-play” system, where Farah allegedly funneled stolen money to co-conspirators in exchange for their silence or assistance.
Farah was convicted on 23 out of 24 federal charges, which include wire fraud, money laundering, and bribery related to federal programs.
US Court Says Abdiaziz Provided False Information on His Passport Application
So far, 73 individuals have been charged in the Feeding Our Future case, with 51 already convicted.
During the court ruling, Investigators established that Farah also provided false information on his passport application after federal agents took his original passport during their investigation. He attempted to book a one-way flight to Kenya, where he bought property using money that was improperly taken from US taxpayers.
As a result, he was charged with passport fraud and taken into custody.
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Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson called for a tougher sentence, stating that the defendant was welcomed into the U.S. but repaid that kindness by robbing its citizens, which is unfortunate.
“This country provided Farah with everything: a home, citizenship, and a free education. After that, he had public employment with the state of Minnesota. And how did he repay this country and this state? By robbing us blind. He received every opportunity, and this is how he chose to use it. Farah didn’t want the American dream; he wanted to be rich,” said the U.S. Attorney.
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