Luxury cars and private villas: See how Minnesota fraudsters spent millions intended for hungry kids

Luxury cars, private villas and overseas wire transfers: CBS News obtained dozens of files and photos that reveal how Minnesota fraudsters blew through hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars as part of one of the biggest COVID-era fraud schemes.

The files document a spending spree in which defendants, many of Somali descent, took taxpayer money meant to feed hungry children and used it to buy cars, property and jewelry. Videos show them popping champagne at an opulent Maldives resort. In a text message, one defendant boasts: "You are gonna be the richest 25 year old InshaAllah [God willing]."

The documents feature exhibits from a recent federal trial, many of which are being made public by CBS News for the first time. The exhibits include:

A confirmation email for a stay in an overwater villa with a private pool at Radisson Blu Resort Maldives
Lakefront property in Minnesota
Receipts showing wire transfers to China and East Africa
First class tickets to Istanbul and Amsterdam
A 2021 Porsche Macan
Stacks of cash, texted between defendants
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/minnesota-fraud-spent-millions-luxury-cars-villas/