Minnesota schemers allegedly swindle $250m in largest pandemic fraud yet

Forty-seven people have been charged in the astonishing display of deceit' over providing food for low-income children

Forty-seven people have been charged in what US authorities say is the largest case yet of pandemic fraud, accusing the defendants of a brazen" scheme to swindle millions from a program intended for low-income children and using it to enrich themselves".

Those charged in the scheme are accused of creating companies that claimed to be offering food to tens of thousands of children across Minnesota, then sought reimbursement for those meals through the US Department of Agriculture's food nutrition programs. Prosecutors say few meals were actually served, and the defendants used the money to buy luxury cars, property and jewelry. Authorities say $250m was ultimately stolen from the federal program.