A Minneapolis judge has ignited public outrage after overturning the $7.2 million taxpayer fraud conviction of Abdifatah Yusuf, 44, and his wife, Lul Ahmed.
The couple had been convicted in August of running a Medicaid fraud scheme through Promise Health, using the funds for luxury shopping sprees, designer goods, and high-end vehicles. Prosecutors said Yusuf personally directed over $1 million from the business account to his own and withdrew more than $387,000 in cash.
Judge Sarah West defended her rare decision, citing that the case “relied heavily on circumstantial evidence” and that other “reasonable inferences” were possible. The ruling overturned the jury’s guilty verdict, prompting anger from jurors, local politicians, and the public. Juror Ben Walfoort stated he was “shocked” by the ruling, emphasizing the evidence showed guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, led by Keith Ellison, filed an appeal on Monday. Yusuf’s attorney, Ian Birrell, praised the decision, calling it a vindication of his client’s innocence.
The case is part of a broader trend in Minnesota, where fraudsters have reportedly stolen over $1 billion in public funds from programs supporting children, the homeless, and autism therapy. Federal prosecutors note that Somali communities have been involved in several large-scale fraud schemes over the past five years, including the nonprofit Feeding Our Future, which allegedly misused funds intended for low-income children.
The controversial decision has drawn national attention, with former President Donald Trump criticizing Minnesota officials and suggesting stricter actions against individuals involved in such schemes.
