BREAKING: Abdinajib Hassan Yussuf, the owner of a St. Cloud autism treatment center, has been charged with federal wire fraud, accused of defrauding a Minnesota health care program out of $6 million. This urgent case is drawing significant attention following a raid by FBI agents on the Star Autism Center in December 2024.
Authorities allege that Yussuf, 27, orchestrated a scheme that exploited the Early Intensive Development and Behavioral Intervention program, a publicly funded initiative designed to provide essential services to children under 21 with autism spectrum disorder. The U.S. Attorney’s Office made the announcement during a press conference on Thursday, December 18, 2024, in Minneapolis.
Investigators report that Star Autism Center employed untrained individuals, often teenagers, to deliver services, raising serious questions about the quality of care provided. Yussuf and associates reportedly targeted the Somali community, approaching parents to recruit their children into the program. If a child lacked a diagnosis, they allegedly manipulated the process to qualify them for autism services.
The fraudulent activities included submitting inflated Medicaid reimbursement claims for services that were either not provided or billed without the provider’s knowledge. Yussuf is said to have shared the proceeds from this scheme, totaling $6 million, with other owners and investors of Star Autism.
Beyond the financial fraud, authorities revealed that Yussuf diverted over $100,000 to purchase a semi-truck and sent an additional $200,000 to Kenya. This shocking revelation highlights the extent of the alleged misconduct and raises concerns about the integrity of services for vulnerable populations.
In a broader crackdown, five other individuals have also been charged in connection with defrauding government programs, including the Housing Stabilization Services. In total, 13 individuals are facing charges related to fraud in these critical support programs.
This developing story underscores the urgent need for oversight in public health programs, particularly those serving children with autism. As details continue to emerge, community members and stakeholders are left questioning the safeguards in place to protect vulnerable populations.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding this case or similar fraudulent activities to come forward. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to holding accountable those who exploit public funds meant for essential services.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
