DHS ‘outstanding refugee’ now faces fraud and sex trafficking charges

Salman Ahmed Elmi, who received a Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) “Outstanding Refugee Award” in 2021, is now facing eight counts of Medicaid fraud and charges related to sex trafficking. State Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls), Republican lead of the Senate Human Services Committee, released the following statement:

“The failures of Walz’s DHS have no end. Their oversight and accountability were so lacking, their 2021 ‘Outstanding Refugee Award’ winner, who they claimed was ‘making Minnesota a better place for all,’ has now been charged with eight counts of Medicaid fraud as well as charges related to a sex trafficking ring taking advantage of homeless women. 

“This is beyond an oversight problem; this is deeply rooted negligence by state government to prioritize the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable people in our state. Once again, DHS proves they have no idea how to tell a good provider from a fraudulent one, and in this case, a criminal sex trafficker.”