Feds charge 47 for allegedly stealing $250 million in COVID fraud scheme

Nearly 50 people were charged on Tuesday with carrying out a sweeping COVID-19 fraud scheme in which they allegedly stole close to $250 million from a federal program meant to feed hungry children in Minneapolis.

At a press conference, Attorney General Merrick Garland called it “the largest pandemic relief fraud scheme charged to date.”

Federal prosecutors said the 47 defendants pulled off the massive scam by taking advantage of loosened rules and oversight during the pandemic. They allegedly blew the cash meant for underserved kids on fancy cars and luxury real estate....