Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently announced significant legal action against two individuals involved in what he termed “the largest autism fraud bust in American history.” The Justice Department has indicted Shamso Ahmed Hassan and Hanaan Mursal Yusuf as part of a formal investigation into a staggering $46.6 million scheme that targeted Minnesota’s Medicaid Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention Program (EIDBI).
Hassan, aged 55, and Yusuf, 25, face multiple charges related to this fraudulent operation. Their alleged crimes form part of a broader enforcement effort by the DOJ’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, which has apprehended a total of 15 suspects in connection to schemes that exploited over $90 million in taxpayer funds. As Kennedy stated at a recent news conference, “This was organized theft that exploited the most vulnerable children in America, deceived families, and stole taxpayer dollars meant to help children with autism access legitimate care and support.”
The case against Hassan and Yusuf outlines how they effectively manipulated the system designed to aid children with autism. Prosecutors detail that Hassan, a shareholder in two facilities—Smart Therapy Center and Star Autism Center—failed to disclose her ownership as required. Yusuf, an employee at Smart Therapy Center, was responsible for day-to-day operations and the fraudulent submission of Medicaid claims. Reports show that they allegedly provided kickbacks to families to encourage them to seek services that were either not delivered or did not meet Medicaid standards.
The financial implications are alarming. Of the total fraudulent claims filed, $21.6 million was disbursed to them. The indictment reports indicate that both defendants diverted significant funds—hundreds of thousands of dollars—for personal use. Purchases of real estate and financial transfers overseas, including to Kenya, are cited as part of their misappropriation of funds. As a result, each defendant has been charged with conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and money laundering, with Yusuf facing additional counts of healthcare fraud.
Kennedy emphasized the impact of such fraudulent activities, noting, “Every fraudulent autism diagnosis steals time, care and resources from the children for whom this program was designed.” Families struggling to provide proper care for their autistic children already navigate a maze of challenges. Fraudulent schemes only serve to exacerbate these difficulties.
The problem of fraud in Minnesota has garnered national attention. It comes amid a broader crackdown on fraudulent practices that President Trump has sought to address. A previously published video by a YouTube journalist in December 2025 highlighted ongoing issues within the Somali community related to the establishment of fake daycare centers, further illustrating the scale of fraud impacting supportive services.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in oversight and adherence to legal requirements in programs meant to support those in need. The Justice Department’s actions reflect a serious commitment to rooting out fraud and restoring integrity to services designed for vulnerable populations, particularly children with autism who rely on these essential resources.
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