In a shocking revelation from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, two Brooklyn residents have been apprehended on charges related to a grand-scale fraudulent scheme involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The suspects, identified as 31-year-old Dawood Kassim (also known as “Badr al-din Kassim”) and 26-year-old Dia Alqalisi (alias “Diaaldeen Alqalisi”), face serious allegations of trafficking and pilfering millions from this federal aid program.
Arrested on February 27, Kassim and Alqalisi are accused of orchestrating a sophisticated operation that led to the embezzlement of a staggering $20 million from SNAP, a lifeline for many low-income families requiring assistance for purchasing nutritious food. This scheme reportedly took place at Kassim’s bodega located in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, utilizing thousands of illicit SNAP transactions.
United States Attorney Breon Peace expressed grave concern over the situation, stating, “As alleged, the defendants trafficked and stole a massive amount of SNAP benefits, exploiting a system designed to assist those in need of nutritious meals during these times of elevated food prices.” He further emphasized that this arrest should serve as a stern warning against the misuse of government programs intended to support the vulnerable sections of society.
The fraudulent activities are said to have occurred between April and December of 2022, with the accused conducting unauthorized SNAP transactions at Throop Farm Market, situated at the junction of Throop and Greene Avenues. The duo allegedly engaged in illegal practices such as exchanging SNAP benefits for cash or unqualified items, retaining a portion of these benefits as illicit profit.
Moreover, Kassim faces additional allegations of directly stealing SNAP benefits through the use of counterfeit and stolen SNAP EBT cards at his store. The impact of their crimes extends beyond New York, affecting unsuspecting SNAP recipients in various states, including Tennessee, Virginia, and California, thereby exploiting over $20 million in federal funds designated for the assistance of needy families.
SNAP, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), employs an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system, allowing low-income participants to buy essential food items. The program is a critical safety net, especially during economic uncertainties, ensuring that millions of Americans can afford healthy meals.
The case against Kassim and Alqalisi is a sharp reminder of the vigilance needed to protect public funds and ensure they reach their intended recipients. As the legal proceedings unfold, this incident sheds light on the ongoing challenges in safeguarding social welfare programs from fraudulent exploitation, urging a collective effort towards more stringent oversight and accountability.