FBI Director Kash Patel said on Sunday that the bureau would "continue to follow the money" in Minnesota and protect children, adding that the investigation "very much remains ongoing."

He said the FBI is aware of "recent social media reports in Minnesota" about fraud allegations.

"However, even before the public conversation escalated online, the FBI had surged personnel and investigative resources to Minnesota to dismantle large-scale fraud schemes exploiting federal programs. Fraud that steals from taxpayers and robs vulnerable children will remain a top FBI priority in Minnesota and nationwide," he wrote.

"To date, the FBI dismantled a $250 million fraud scheme that stole federal food aid meant for vulnerable children during COVID. The investigation exposed sham vendors, shell companies, and large-scale money laundering tied to the Feeding Our Future network," he added. 

He noted that the case led to 78 indictments and 57 convictions. 

"These criminals didn’t just engaged in historic fraud, but tried to subvert justice as well. Abdimajid Mohamed Nur and others were charged for attempting to bribe a juror with $120,000 in cash. Those responsible pleaded guilty and were sentenced, including a 10-year prison term and nearly $48 million in restitution in related cases," he said.

"The FBI believes this is just the tip of a very large iceberg. We will continue to follow the money and protect children, and this investigation very much remains ongoing," he also said. 

Patel also said that "many are also being referred to immigrations officials for possible further denaturalization and deportation proceedings where eligible."