Federal agents searched nearly two dozen stores across the Twin Cities metro area on Thursday in a crackdown on retailers suspected of misusing SNAP benefits.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said agents carried out criminal search warrants at multiple SNAP retail locations in the Twin Cities as part of “Operation Cold Snap.” Evidence seized during the searches is still being reviewed.
Agents are targeting retailers suspected of fraudulently trafficking SNAP benefits, the USDA said, an act that can include allowing customers to use food stamps to buy items like tobacco or alcohol.
So far, 20 retailers have been served with charging letters alleging program violations, according to the USDA. If those charges are proven, the businesses could be removed from the SNAP program and face additional penalties.
Federal officials haven’t yet released details on which retailers are being targeted.
“Fraudulent SNAP retailers steal from victims that include children who rely on federal nutrition assistance and dishonor the charity of American taxpayers who fund the assistance,” USDA Inspector General John Walk said in a statement. “OIG will continue to work hand-in-hand with federal law enforcement partners and agencies across the government in the war on fraud and hold criminals to account.”
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