Feds raid Minnesota businesses as part of Medicaid fraud investigation
FBI raids multiple Twin Cities locations
Federal and state agents carried out court-authorized investigative operations at multiple locations across the Twin Cities on Thursday morning, including a Medicaid services provider in St. Louis Park. The FBI confirmed that several agencies are involved, including the IRS, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and Minnesota Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
(FOX 9) - Federal and state authorities raided two Twin Cities autism service providers Thursday as part of fraud investigations, officials say.
Raids in the Twin Cities
What we know:
Ellison’s office identified the businesses as Iska Inc. in St. Louis Park and Bright Horizon Therapy Center in Edina. Both are autism service providers and are under investigation for suspected fraud, the office said.
Federal officials described the raids as "court-authorized investigative activity" but provided no further details about the investigations.
Officials said the agencies involved include the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspectors, IRS criminal investigators, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Minnesota Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
Federal authorities conducting a raid at a business in St. Louis Park. (FOX 9)
Local perspective:
FOX 9 crews saw federal investigators Thursday morning at a St. Louis Park business center where Iska is located.
Records obtained by FOX 9 show Iska was disenrolled during the state’s revalidation effort in May. The records cite a failed site visit as the reason and indicate the business had not appealed the decision as of early June.
What they're saying:
The Minnesota Department of Human Services released the following statement:
"The Minnesota Department of Human Services is tracking today’s state and federal law enforcement activity. Collaboration between local, state and federal authorities is essential to fighting fraud and stopping criminal schemes. When we see evidence of fraud, we shut off money and refer suspected criminals to law enforcement. We are thankful to see criminals being held accountable."
Big picture view:
The raids come as the White House announced Vice President JD Vance would make an appearance in St. Cloud to make a fraud announcement. It's unclear if these raids are directly connected to Vance's announcement.
The Source: This story uses a statement from officials and FOX 9 crews at the scene.