Minnesota parents faked autism in children to earn kickbacks in $46M scheme
Parents in Minnesota allegedly faked autism in their children to collect kickbacks in a $46 million fraud scheme. The accused fraudsters paid parents from the local Somali community for enrolling their children in unnecessary treatments at autism centers. Federal prosecutors have charged several individuals involved in this extensive scheme, which also included pilfering funds from other taxpayer programs.
- ▪Parents were paid up to $1,500 per child for bogus treatments at autism centers.
- ▪The scheme reportedly amassed $46 million in fraudulent healthcare payouts over five years.
- ▪Four individuals have been charged, including Shamso Ahmed Hassan and Hanaan Mursal Yusuf.
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Politics Minnesota parents faked autism in children to earn kickbacks in $46M scheme By Josh Christenson and Priscilla DeGregory Published May 22, 2026, 4:53 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google Parents in Minnesota were paid up to $1,500 per child if they enrolled kids for bogus treatments at two autism centers in the largest-of-its-kind fraud and money laundering scheme, the feds have alleged. Four accused fraudsters paid parents from the local Somali community kickbacks ranging from $300 to $1,500 a month for each child they enrolled for unrequired treatments at autism clinics Smart Therapy Center and Star Autism Center, a new indictment alleges. It’s unclear how many Minneapolis and St.
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