Anti-fraud efforts were already underway in Ohio, officials say, long before outrage over Minnesota Somali fraud spread suspicions to the Buckeye State.
COLUMBUS, Ohio—After YouTuber Nick Shirley’s viral video raised fraud alarms about Somali-run daycares in Minnesota late last year, independent sleuths turned their focus to Ohio—home of America’s second-largest Somali population behind Minnesota.
Now, Ohio authorities are investigating a spate of videos and internet tips from the public. During a visit to Columbus, where the Ohio Somali population is concentrated, The Epoch Times interviewed a Somali woman who alleges that the daycare where she works is committing fraudulent activity.
The worker, who spoke anonymously to avoid retribution, agreed with state officials and members of the Columbus Somali community who say that the scope and nature of fraud in Ohio have not yet become clear. People of other ethnicities are perpetrating fraud, too, she added.
Dan Tierney, spokesman for Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, said aggressive anti-fraud efforts predate the current surge of concerns.
“The idea that people might try to defraud government systems is not new to us,” he told The Epoch Times.
“We want to work to fight it hard, and we also acknowledge the role of concerned citizens in the process, and we want their tips.”
Ohio Somalis told The Epoch Times that although they doubt that fraud is widespread, they welcome the investigations and hope violators are punished.
Ohio state Sen. George Lang said that while there is no indication of systemic fraud in Ohio thus far, “we are still investigating.”
“There is a clear difference between Ohio’s system and the shocking disconnect and disregard in Minnesota,” Lang told The Epoch Times.
Ohio uses an electronic system to verify that children are attending a daycare before payments are rendered, and check-ins include a personal identification number from parents; Minnesota requires daily attendance records but hasn’t clamped down enough on providers who failed to comply, a May 2025 federal audit found.
In addition, Minnesota state lawmakers say whistleblowers have been punished for voicing concerns about Somalis committing fraud and have been accused of racism or Islamophobia, because Somalis are black Muslims. The Epoch Times was unable to find reports of similar retaliation in Ohio.
Lang and Tierney said the state is committed to investigating fraud concerns—and has been doing so for decades.
“We should throw the book at those found to have abused taxpayer funds,“ Lang said, adding that strong consequences will “deter others from doing the same.”
By Janice Hisle
