As much as $700 million in cash was transported out of Minnesota via commercial flights, often routed through Europe and the Middle East.
Federal investigators have uncovered what appears to be a sophisticated cash-courier network that moved hundreds of millions of dollars out of Minnesota and the United States using suitcases rather than traditional banking systems. As much as $700 million in cash was transported out of Minnesota via commercial flights, often routed through Europe and the Middle East. The operation relied on couriers rather than financial institutions, keeping the transactions largely off official banking records.
Speaking to Steve Bannon, Editor in Chief for Just the News John Solomon talked about his exclusiv scoop, saying the Transportation Security Administration confirmed that $136 million in cash was tracked traveling from Columbus, Ohio, to Minneapolis. Columbus has the second-largest Somali population in the United States, behind Minneapolis. Investigators say cash was first collected in Columbus, placed into suitcases, and flown to Minnesota.
https://twitter.com/RealAmVoice/status/2011473416323522808
Once in Minneapolis, couriers allegedly combined the Ohio cash with additional money sourced locally before transporting the consolidated loads overseas. Solomon described the operation as a “foreign ATM,” moving large sums of money out of the United States without using banks or licensed remittance services.
The use of suitcases instead of financial institutions has raised questions among investigators. The US has an extensive banking infrastructure and regulated money-transfer services, making the reliance on physical cash transport unusual. Solomon questioned why the activity went largely unchallenged during the Biden administration and why federal authorities did not intervene earlier.
Investigators are examining the ultimate destination and purpose of the funds. Solomon said authorities are looking into whether the money was sent to support terrorist groups such as al-Shabaab, funneled back into the United States through political donations, or transferred abroad under the guise of humanitarian support.
The cash-courier operation also overlaps with broader federal investigations into massive Somalian fraud involving Minnesota government programs. Those probes have centered largely on Somali-run nonprofits and businesses accused of siphoning taxpayer funds intended for social services.
Solomon noted that the same Somali communities implicated in government fraud cases appear to be central to the cash-movement network now under scrutiny. Federal officials have not yet announced charges related to the courier operation, but Solomon said the investigation remains in its early stages.
Authorities are continuing to trace money flows, identify couriers, and determine whether criminal or national-security violations occurred.
Libby’s Desk
Commentary and must-reads from Libby’s desk, straight to your inbox.
TPM Newsletter
The Post Millennial’s top stories, delivered to your inbox.
