by Minneapolis, MN – The founder of a Minnesota-based nonprofit at the center of the nation’s largest COVID-era welfare fraud scheme has been ordered to forfeit millions of dollars in assets, including a luxury vehicle and designer items, as federal authorities continue efforts to recover stolen taxpayer funds.
A federal judge issued a preliminary forfeiture order last week against Aimee Bock, the convicted architect of the Feeding Our Future scandal, compelling her to surrender cash, high-end property, and electronic devices linked to a sprawling fraud operation. The case involves the misuse of pandemic relief funds intended to feed children during COVID-19 and is considered the largest scheme of its kind in U.S. history.
Bock, 44, was found guilty in March on federal charges including wire fraud, bribery, and conspiracy. She is currently awaiting sentencing for her leading role in the scheme.
Timeline of Events
The Feeding Our Future nonprofit rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, when emergency federal programs expanded rapidly to address food insecurity among children. Prosecutors say Bock and her co-conspirators exploited those programs, submitting fraudulent claims and diverting funds for personal use.
On Dec. 30, a federal judge issued a preliminary order requiring Bock to forfeit assets prosecutors say were purchased with fraud proceeds. The forfeiture order came months after her conviction and as the broader case against dozens of defendants continues to unfold.
Details From Federal Court
Under the court order, Bock must forfeit approximately $5.2 million held in personal nonprofit bank accounts, along with a list of luxury and high-value items.
Assets Ordered Forfeited
- $5.2 million in cash
- Porsche Panamera
- Approximately 60 laptops, iPads, and iPhones
- Diamond necklace, bracelet, and earrings
- Louis Vuitton purse and backpack
Federal prosecutors allege the items were acquired using funds stolen from a federal child nutrition program designed to serve low-income families.
Scope of the Feeding Our Future Scandal
The U.S. Department of Justice has described the Feeding Our Future case as the largest COVID-19 fraud scheme in the country. According to federal officials, the investigation has resulted in sweeping criminal charges.
Key Facts in the Case
- Total defendants charged: 78
- Total convictions to date: 57
- Defendants of Somali descent: 72
- Fugitives abroad: 5, believed to be in Africa
Attorney General Pam Bondi said the fraud extended well beyond luxury purchases in the United States.
“Millions of taxpayer dollars in fraud proceeds were sent overseas to East Africa and the Middle East,” Bondi said, describing how defendants allegedly moved money beyond the reach of U.S. authorities.
Recovery Efforts and Financial Impact
Despite the scale of the fraud, prosecutors have recovered only a fraction of the stolen funds so far.
- Estimated total fraud: Up to $400 million
- Funds recovered: Approximately $75 million
Bondi has indicated that the “ultimate price tag” of the Feeding Our Future fraud could reach $400 million, making it one of the most costly pandemic-related crimes prosecuted by the federal government. Ongoing forfeiture actions are aimed at clawing back additional assets as sentencing approaches for remaining defendants.
More details about the federal prosecution and asset recovery efforts have been outlined by the U.S. Department of Justice, which continues to pursue restitution and forfeiture in related cases.
Conclusion
The forfeiture order against Aimee Bock marks another significant step in one of the largest fraud prosecutions in U.S. history. As sentencing looms and investigators continue pursuing fugitives and hidden assets, the Feeding Our Future case remains a stark example of how emergency pandemic programs were exploited on a massive scale.
What are your thoughts on the scope of the Feeding Our Future fraud and the government’s efforts to recover stolen funds? Share your experiences in the comments below.
