Five new defendants have been charged in connection with a Minnesota housing services fraud scheme. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said during a news conference Thursday that at least 14 state-run programs in Minnesota have been flagged for fraud. He said two defendants pocketed $750,000 instead of helping Medicaid recipients find stable housing. Prosecutors allege they used the proceeds to travel to international destinations, including London, Istanbul and Dubai. One defendant submitted $1.4 million in fraud claims, using some to purchase cryptocurrency. Federal officials say he fled the country after receiving a subpoena. Thompson said crime is “swamping Minnesota.”
