Major SNAP Fraud Uncovered in Nationwide Enforcement Surge

The Justice Department, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the USDA Office of Inspector General, has announced a significant crackdown on fraud involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This nationwide enforcement surge, conducted from September 1, 2026, to October 21, 2026, targeted fraudulent activities that resulted in nearly $42 million in intended losses to the federal government.

The enforcement actions, part of the first National USDA Benefits and Program Fraud Enforcement Surge, involved more than 40 defendants across the United States. The alleged schemes caused nearly $45 million in intended losses, with the majority involving SNAP benefits, which provide essential food assistance to low-income individuals and families.

Key Indictments and Guilty Pleas

Among the notable cases is the indictment of Jorag Yaseen and Rami Kanaan, who are accused of orchestrating a scheme to defraud SNAP through fraudulent electronic benefit transfer (EBT) transactions. According to the indictment, Yaseen and Kanaan operated approved retail food stores in Chicago, Illinois, and allegedly processed thousands of transactions using stolen EBT account information between February 2024 and April 2025. These transactions falsely appeared to represent legitimate purchases of authorized food products, leading to an estimated loss of approximately $29.

7 million to the United States. Yaseen and Kanaan are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

In a separate case, Mark Frisbie pleaded guilty in the Middle District of Florida to submitting false crop-insurance claims. Frisbie admitted to underreporting his crop production from 2019 to 2024, causing the federal government to pay more than $1. 7 million in crop-insurance indemnities.

He also acknowledged defrauding the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program and the Emergency Relief Program, agreeing to pay over $3. 2 million in restitution. Frisbie's sentencing is scheduled for January 11, 2027.

Nationwide Effort and Impact

The enforcement surge was a coordinated effort involving the Fraud Division, 13 U. S. Attorneys' Offices, and the Utah Attorney General's Office.

It aimed to expose and disrupt criminal networks that targeted vulnerable American families. Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the importance of these actions, stating that the schemes "siphoned millions from taxpayers and robbed struggling Americans of the benefits they depend on."

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins highlighted the dual impact of SNAP fraud, noting that it victimizes both families in need and taxpayers. Inspector General John Walk of the USDA OIG reiterated the commitment to combating fraud, stating, "No more! USDA OIG is committed to support Vice President Vance’s leadership to disrupt fraud schemes and send criminals straight to prison."

The enforcement actions also involved numerous law enforcement partners, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and various state and local agencies. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to protect the integrity of federal assistance programs and ensure that benefits reach those who truly need them.

The Justice Department's announcement underscores its ongoing commitment to rooting out fraud in federal programs and holding perpetrators accountable. The nationwide surge marks a significant step in safeguarding taxpayer funds and supporting low-income families who rely on SNAP and other USDA programs.