Kenyan National Charged in $40M Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme

Ahmednaji Maalim Aftin Sheikh, a Kenyan national and brother-in-law of Abdiaziz Farah, has been charged with conspiracy to commit international money laundering in connection with the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, the largest COVID-19 fraud case in the U.S. Prosecutors allege Sheikh helped his brother Farah, who was sentenced to 28 years in prison, stash millions of dollars overseas by investing in Kenyan real estate through fake entities, including a Nairobi apartment building and land near the Kenya-Somalia border. Text exchanges reveal Sheikh received large cash payments via wire transfers, which Farah falsely reported as family support or salary income, and prosecutors confirmed that the money sent abroad is unlikely to be recovered. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson condemned the scheme as a betrayal of funds intended to feed hungry children, emphasizing the ongoing fight against fraud infiltrating many sectors. Sheikh is the 74th defendant charged in the case, and while he is not in U.S. custody, federal authorities have not yet indicated whether they will seek his extradition. Additionally, Sheikh's marriage to the sister of Farah's wife was noted in immigration documents, but no charges of marriage or immigration fraud have been filed against him or his spouse.