Four Venezuelan Immigrants Indicted for SNAP Fraud in Massachusetts
Federal prosecutors have indicted four Venezuelan immigrants in Massachusetts for their involvement in a multimillion-dollar Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud scheme, which spans multiple states.
Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Leah Foley highlighted that this food stamp scam is widespread, affecting six states and Puerto Rico, and revolves around the misuse of stolen personal information.
According to Foley, the defendants and their associates allegedly utilized fraudulent SNAP benefit cards to acquire significant amounts of high-value bulk food items—like large packs of chicken, beef, and pork—at local wholesalers and markets, all while passing the costs as free to a restaurant named El Primo.
These supplies, obtained under false pretenses, were then used to create menu items for sale at El Primo, where the profits were channeled to individuals residing in countries like Venezuela and the Dominican Republic.
The fraud linked to the restaurant operations amounts to around $440,000. Additionally, prosecutors claim the suspects applied for benefits using the identities of up to 100 stolen individuals, illegally receiving about $700,000 in aid.
“It’s well-known that fraud is pervasive in this country,” Foley stated during a press conference in Boston. “What we’ve announced today is just one example—not only in Massachusetts but across the entire nation.”
Foley further mentioned ongoing investigations into additional fraud cases, suggesting that the public should anticipate more instances like this in Massachusetts.
She criticized states for their insufficient oversight of benefits programs and application processes, emphasizing that states permitting online applications without proper verification are particularly susceptible to fraud.
The situation in Massachusetts reflects a broader trend of similar scams emerging nationwide.
Last month, a federal audit revealed that Maine had issued $45.6 million in improper payments related to autism services, marking another significant case of mismanagement.
In Minnesota, officials continue to grapple with the fallout from a massive scam involving stolen funds meant for public services. Health Department Deputy Jim O’Neill mentioned that substantial amounts of taxpayer money have likely been lost for good, emphasizing the difficulty in recovering these funds once they are sent out illegally.
