Federal officials are currently investigating the significant movement of cash, totaling at least $700 million, from the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. Reports indicate that this money, often transported by Somali couriers, is headed to Somalia, other African nations, and the Middle East. According to a whistleblower, bundles of cash, sometimes over $1 million each, were declared and identified by TSA agents but subsequently disregarded under the current administration.
In 2024 alone, more than $342 million was reported funneled through this airport, with a slightly higher figure of $349.4 million recorded in 2025. Such sums raise serious questions about the oversight of airport security and the potential misuse of funds. The situation has drawn attention from officials like Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ), who has requested congressional investigations, suggesting a possible connection to the Al Shabab terror group.
The whistleblower, a former TSA agent, brought to light the alarming frequency of these transactions. She described seeing pairs of Somali men traveling with large suitcases filled with cash, a sight that was both surprising and concerning. “I’ve actually seen a lot of things,” she said, recounting her experiences. “But the most shocking is exactly that I saw suitcases filled with millions of dollars of cash, and the couriers were always small.” Her insights suggest a pattern of conduct among individuals transporting large amounts of cash, often in pairs.
Furthermore, she mentioned that these individuals would typically present proper documentation. “Their IDs were always documented, and probably their plane tickets as well,” she stated. This detail raises the question of how such transactions could evade scrutiny, especially given the presence of security cameras and law enforcement at the airport.
Crane has spoken out unequivocally about the implications of these findings, asserting that investigations are essential. He stated, “Members of Minnesota’s Somali community defrauded U.S. taxpayers, funneled money to complicit politicians, and funded the Al-Shabaab terrorist network.” His remarks indicate a belief that there is more to uncover, hinting at a broader scheme.
The whistleblower emphasized that the occurrence of transporting cash happens regularly, inferring that this is not an isolated incident. “It certainly seemed like it happened every week, the suitcases came in,” she noted, underscoring that this has become a normalized practice. This information prompts a reevaluation of the TSA’s handling of such cash movements.
Given the scale of the cash being transported and the allegations surrounding its purpose, this investigation may reveal significant lapses in regulatory practices. As authorities continue to untangle this web of financial transactions, the implications for national security and the integrity of U.S. border management practices are profound. The combination of routine cash movement, potential ties to terrorism, and political complicity poses serious questions that demand thorough investigation to protect the public and restore confidence in airport security measures.
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