The Small Business Administration (SBA) is investigating a network of Somali organizations in Minnesota connected to a $1 billion COVID-19 relief fraud scheme, amid allegations of auditing failures by Gov. Tim Walz’s administration.

The probe targets nonprofits and individuals, including Feeding Our Future, who allegedly obtained PPP loans and other state and federal funding fraudulently.

SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler stated the agency is reviewing citizenship, nonprofit legitimacy, and loan eligibility while working to reclaim misused taxpayer funds.

The investigation has drawn national attention, including controversial remarks from former President Trump, while Walz has expressed support for a Treasury Department review, Fox News has reported.

Similar PPP fraud schemes have occurred in other states, including New York and Iowa, involving immigrant communities misrepresenting payrolls to secure millions in relief funds.