U.S. Attorney’s Office Joins DOJ Fraud Division and USDA in Uncovering Nearly $42 Million in SNAP Benefit Fraud in Nationwide Enforcement Surge

This coordinated effort resulted in actions against more than 40 defendants whose alleged or proven schemes caused nearly $45 million in intended losses to the federal government. Nearly $42 million of that amount involved fraud against SNAP benefits, which provide monthly food assistance to low-income individuals and families.

Mohinder Singh, the operator of Romario's convenience store in Lansing, was charged by a grand jury with theft or conversion of public money and nine counts of SNAP benefits fraud. The indictment alleges that Singh unlawfully exchanged cash and other ineligible items for SNAP benefits with his customers and allowed some customers to use SNAP benefits to pay debts owed to him. Singh typically provided SNAP recipients with an exchange rate of $0.50 in U.S. currency per $1 of SNAP benefits transferred, according to the indictment. Additionally, it is alleged that Singh charged a fee payable in SNAP benefits after extending credit to some of his customers. The government alleged that Singh intended more than $1 million in loss to the government.

"These schemes siphoned millions from taxpayers and robbed struggling Americans of the benefits they depend on so fraudsters could use them for own selfish purposes," said Attorney General Todd Blanche. "Through our partnership with the Department of Agriculture, this nationwide surge exposed and disrupted criminal networks that targeted vulnerable American families. The Department of Justice will continue working to root out fraud in every federal agency and program."

"The integrity of the SNAP program is essential to supporting families who rely on it. When individuals or businesses engage in fraud, they deprive vulnerable communities of vital resources," said U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey. "Our office remains committed to pursuing those who exploit this program and ensuring taxpayer funds are protected."