“SNAP fraud despicably robs from low-income Americans that rely on the program for food assistance and diverts taxpayer funds to line the pockets of fraudsters and bankroll other criminal activities like guns and drugs that make American communities less safe. No more! USDA OIG is committed to support Vice President Vance’s leadership to disrupt fraud schemes and send criminals straight to prison. I am honored to stand with Vice President Vance today and grateful for our special agents whose work as part of this nationwide surge brought significant law enforcement actions against fraudsters in dozens of cases across the country. This surge is only the beginning. USDA OIG will continue to unite behind our partners in the whole-of-government fight to eliminate fraud and hold fraudsters to account,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk.

“This fraudster tried to escape justice by fleeing to his home country of India. Now the long arm of the law has brought him back to the United States to face the consequences for his crimes,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk.  “Stealing SNAP benefits – food assistance benefits intended for low-income Americans – is wrong and no matter where they run, we will not stop pursuing those who perpetrate these crimes against the poorest Americans and the American taxpayer.”

“It is an unconscionable betrayal of the public trust for a former state official with a pending indictment for drug and gun offenses to then also steal SNAP benefits from the American taxpayer – food assistance benefits intended for low-income Americans,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk. “This former state employee lied about his income and family situation to cheat the program. He will now face justice.”