Overview
- Operation Cold SNAP, which executed criminal search warrants Thursday, targeted multiple SNAP-authorized stores across Minneapolis–St. Paul in a $2.1 million fraud probe.
- USDA Office of Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations led the action with Food and Nutrition Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office coordinating enforcement.
- FNS served administrative charging letters to 20 retailers accused of violations, which can result in removal from SNAP or other penalties.
- Seized evidence went to federal prosecutors for review, with store names withheld as the investigation continues.
- Trafficking swaps EBT food benefits for cash or ineligible goods, which can keep aid from reaching children and other families who rely on it.