A new video by conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley has sparked renewed scrutiny into what officials describe as one of the largest social services fraud schemes in Minnesota’s history, with estimates of fraud reaching as high as $9 billion. Shirley’s recent investigation, released on October 8, 2025, focuses on non-emergency medical transportation services, alleging that companies billed the state for rides that never took place.
In the video, Shirley visits various addresses listed on state paperwork for transportation providers. He discovers locations that appear disconnected from medical transport services, including liquor stores, money transfer businesses, and private residences. One Minnesota resident, identified as David, states, “What I think might be the heart of the beast here is this transportation fraud.”
Shirley’s investigation features encounters with individuals at these addresses. When asked if they operate the transportation companies named in state records, many respond that they have never heard of them. This raises serious questions about the misuse of public funds in the state’s social services system.
These allegations come amid broader investigations into Minnesota’s social service programs, which have already faced scrutiny over claims of fraud involving food assistance and childcare providers. State and federal authorities have acknowledged systemic oversight failures in recent years, although not all claims made in Shirley’s video have been independently verified.
A significant portion of the alleged fraud centers around Somali-owned businesses. The video cites that Somali entrepreneurs reportedly own as much as 90 percent of non-emergency medical transportation companies in Minnesota. This has led to tense exchanges during Shirley’s reporting, with some community members accusing him of targeting a specific group. Shirley, however, asserts that his focus is solely on exposing alleged fraud.
The Somali community holds considerable political influence in Minnesota, prompting critics to suggest that political considerations may have delayed oversight or enforcement. Shirley’s video also highlights connections between individuals previously implicated in fraud cases and prominent political figures, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Rep. Ilhan Omar, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
The controversy has intensified alongside political developments in the state. Governor Walz, a Democrat, recently announced that he would not seek re-election, citing his inability to commit fully to another campaign. Critics have linked this decision to increasing pressure over how the state is handling allegations of social services fraud, although Walz has not explicitly connected his decision to the ongoing scandal.
Shirley is set to testify before Congress next week regarding his findings. His testimony could bring renewed federal attention to the case, which has already raised significant concerns about the integrity of Minnesota’s social services programs.
The implications of these allegations extend beyond just financial mismanagement; they raise fundamental questions about the effectiveness and oversight of social services in Minnesota. As investigations continue, the potential for accountability and reform remains a critical point of discussion among policymakers and community leaders.
