Minnesota State Wire

U.S. Representative Brad Finstad has introduced the Fraud Accountability and Recovery (FAR) Act, which aims to halt aid to countries that provide refuge to fraudsters or obstruct the return of stolen taxpayer funds. This announcement was made on the social media platform X.

"Minnesotans work too hard to see their tax dollars stolen and stashed overseas," said Bradley Howard Finstad, U.S. Representative of Minnesota's 1st Congressional District (R). "The FAR Act cuts off American aid for foreign governments that harbor fraudsters."

On September 23, 2025, Finstad presented the FAR Act, which seeks to condition U.S. foreign assistance on cooperation in recovering misappropriated taxpayer money and denying aid to governments that harbor individuals convicted of defrauding the United States. The bill is a response to prominent fraud cases and aims to enhance mechanisms for reclaiming funds hidden overseas. According to Finstad's release, the measure is designed to protect taxpayers and demand accountability from international partners.

Government watchdogs have documented significant losses due to fraud and improper payments. Reports from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) indicate that federal agencies estimated approximately $162 billion in improper payments for fiscal year 2024, with overall fraud losses ranging between $233 billion and $521 billion annually in recent years. These figures highlight the substantial risk involved and underscore the need for conditioning aid on cooperation in recovering stolen funds.

The "Feeding Our Future" case in Minnesota serves as an example of how fraud proceeds can be concealed overseas. In September 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged Kenyan national Ahmednaji Sheikh with assisting in laundering and hiding millions abroad for a convicted ringleader, including investments in Kenyan real estate, thus placing assets beyond immediate reach of U.S. law enforcement. Investigations continue as authorities pursue recoveries and accountability related to this scheme.

Finstad represents Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District. As a fourth-generation farmer and former state director for USDA Rural Development in Minnesota, he focuses on agriculture, rural economies, border security, and fiscal responsibility. His official biography emphasizes his efforts in advancing policies aimed at reducing inflationary pressures, protecting taxpayers, and strengthening supply chains critical to southern Minnesota.