WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), introduced the Fraud Accountability and Recovery Act (Far ACT), legislation that would prohibit the President from providing foreign assistance to the government of any country that is harboring an individual convicted of defrauding the United States or refuses to cooperate with the recoupment of stolen funds. 

During a recent trial in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, it was revealed that the defendant sent millions of stolen dollars to Kenya and the judge confirmed that the U.S. government has no way to recover the money. 

“Hardworking Americans should never have to foot the bill for criminals who defraud federal programs and then hide behind foreign borders,” said Congressman Finstad. “The Fraud Accountability and Recovery Act sends a clear message: If you steal from U.S. taxpayers, you cannot escape accountability by moving money or yourself overseas. We will do everything in our power to recover stolen funds and hold bad actors responsible.” 

Background:

• According to the Government Accountability Office, the federal government loses between $233 billion and $521 billion annually to fraud.
• In Minnesota, Feeding Our Future stole over $250 million in pandemic funds meant for hungry children - the largest COVID-19 fraud case in the nation.
• To date, the Department of Justice has charged 75 defendants with crimes including wire fraud, conspiracy, theft of government funds, federal program bribery, and money laundering.
• Stolen funds were used for luxury real estate, vehicles, and other purchases, with significant sums transferred overseas, highlighting the gaps in U.S. law that prevent recovery of taxpayer dollars once they leave the country.