Reuters
(Minneapolis, Minnesota) – Surveillance footage showing parents briefly checking children into certain day care centers before leaving with them in surfacing. Authorities say it was used to fraudulently bill the state for child care services- that never happened.
Investigators said some providers billed for full days of care even when children did not attend, and in some cases claimed reimbursements on days when no families appeared at all.
Minnesota authorities began investigating suspected child care fraud schemes as early as 2014, eventually examining dozens of businesses accused of improperly receiving millions in public funds. Court records and reporting at the time indicated some providers allegedly offered kickbacks to parents who participated by signing children in without leaving them for care.
The footage has recently regained attention after fraud in Minnesota has reached the national stage. The renewed attention has also sparked political criticism aimed at Tim Walz, though the incidents shown in the footage predate his tenure as governor.
Kash Patel said the FBI has deployed investigative resources to Minnesota to address what officials describe as large-scale schemes exploiting government programs. Law enforcement officials stress that investigations focus on specific individuals and organizations, not entire communities, and that allegations must be resolved through the courts.
