Trump administration expands crackdown on foreign fraudsters targeting U.S. federal programs

The Trump administration has stepped up efforts to target foreign nationals suspected of cheating U.S. government programs, with the FBI releasing a new Most Wanted fraud list. Officials highlighted the case of Turkish national Onur Simsek, accused of orchestrating a defense-procurement fraud that misrepresented Turkish parts as tested and qualified, potentially jeopardizing military equipment. General Services Administration Administrator Ed Forst emphasized the loss to taxpayers and pledged continued action under President Trump and Vice President Vance.

The crackdown also follows investigations into alleged Medicaid and child-care fraud involving members of Minnesota's Somali community. Vice President Vance described a “clear pattern” of abuse in certain immigrant groups, and the Justice Department detailed Simsek’s use of a U.S. front company from April 2019 to February 2022 to secure contracts for Navy submarines and Army tanks. An arrest warrant was issued in Tampa, and the FBI is offering a $150,000 reward for tips. Recent captures, such as Khalid Ahmed Satary, illustrate the initiative’s momentum.