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.”