BREAKING NEWS: The owner of a St. Cloud autism treatment center has been charged with federal wire fraud, accused of orchestrating a massive $6 million scheme to defraud a Minnesota health care program. Abdinajib Hassan Yussuf, aged 27, was the president and CEO of Star Autism Center, which was raided by FBI agents in December 2024.
Authorities allege that Yussuf employed predominantly untrained teenagers at the facility, violating regulations meant to protect vulnerable patients. During a news conference on Thursday, December 18, the U.S. Attorney’s Office detailed the fraud, highlighting how the center exploited the Early Intensive Development and Behavioral Intervention program designed for individuals under 21 with autism spectrum disorder.
Officials report that Yussuf and his associates targeted parents in the Somali community, often securing autism diagnoses for children who did not initially qualify. This alarming tactic enabled them to submit inflated claims for Medicaid reimbursements for services that were never provided, generating significant profits that Yussuf shared with other owners.
In a shocking twist, authorities revealed that Yussuf misappropriated over $100,000 to purchase a semi-truck and transferred another $200,000 to Kenya, raising serious questions about the financial integrity of the operation. The investigation has led to a total of six individuals facing federal charges related to defrauding not only the autism program but also the Housing Stabilization Services program.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services states that the Early Intensive Development program is critical for delivering necessary services to those affected by autism. The ramifications of this case extend beyond financial misconduct; they strike at the heart of trust within the community and highlight the urgent need for accountability in health care services.
As the situation develops, the community watches closely. Legal experts suggest that this case could set a precedent for similar fraud cases in health care. The next steps include potential court appearances for Yussuf and the other charged individuals, and further investigations into the operations of Star Autism Center.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds, and share your thoughts on this troubling case. Your voice matters in holding those accountable who exploit vulnerable communities.
