I hope this gains as much national traction as the Minnesota fraud schemes.
The Massachusetts Bureau of Special Investigations identified nearly $12 million in public assistance fraud from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) had the highest level of fraud, totaling over $1.4 million. MassHealth came in second at $1.3 million.
“For countless residents across the Commonwealth, these programs offer access to everyday items they need, including food and medical services,” said State Auditor Diana DiZoglio. “Through the work of our fraud examiners, we continue to help ensure they operate with transparency, accountability, and equity. Our team will continue to work to ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively and that resources are available to those who truly need and qualify for them.”
I imagine the fraud results will be higher for Fiscal Year 2026.
In December, prosecutors charged two Haitian men with allegedly running a $7 million SNAP benefits scam.
Antonis Bonheur, 74, is a naturalized U.S. citizen from Haiti, and owner of the Jesula Variety Store (JVS) in Mattapan, MA, located about 7.5 miles south of Boston.
Saul Alisme, 24, is a lawful permanent resident, but still a citizen of Haiti. He owns the Saul Mache Mixe Store (SMM), which has only been SNAP-authorized since February 2025.
JVS allegedly trafficked over $6 million in SNAP benefits over three years. SMM allegedly trafficked over $121,890 in benefits since May of 2025.
They also allegedly stole and sold food meant for the nonprofit organization Feed My Starving Children.
On Tuesday, federal prosecutors charged four Massachusetts residents, including two Venezuelans, for allegedly stealing over 100 identities to retrieve over $1 million in food stamps and pandemic-era unemployment benefits:
U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foley said stolen identities from Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico were used to obtain $440,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits from Massachusetts and Rhode Island.The defendants also allegedly submitted fraudulent documents in order to receive more than $700,000 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance from Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Washington and Nevada.
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