For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1500057 |
| Date Issued: | May 26, 2015 - 9:32am |
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Washoe County and State investigators arrest three on charges related to welfare fraud |
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| CONTACT: | Bob Harmon Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-785-6235 Cell 775-722-5517 |
Investigators from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office All Threats All Crimes Unit (ATAC) and the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services have uncovered hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of welfare fraud, leading to three arrests, following a year-and-a-half long undercover investigation of two stores in the Reno - Sparks area.
Sheriff's Office ATAC Detectives arrested the following persons on May 12, 2015. All three face charges related to SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamp, fraud:
- Mohammad Rassel Ibrahim, age 42, owner of Dhaka Foods, Inc. of Sparks
- Tania Halim, age 46, part owner of the Family Mart on 4th Street in Reno
- MD Abdul Hasnat, age 59, an employee of both stores
According to investigators, the suspects conspired with more than two hundred Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program recipients to fraudulently obtain funds from the program.
Detectives uncovered a loss of $376,400 through this fraudulent use of SNAP funds during the course of the investigation. The program could be entitled to restitution for this loss from the recipients based on the outcome of an administrative hearing.
In addition, investigators project a future cost avoidance of $400,000 if the involved recipients are disqualified from the program.
Steve Fisher, Administrator for the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services said these arrests send a clear message to retailers and recipients who collaborate to traffic SNAP benefits.
"The Welfare Division conducts rigorous oversight to identify these fraudulent transactions," Administrator Fisher said. "We will continue to cooperate with law enforcement to detect and prevent these types of crimes in order to protect the integrity of a vital food program designed to assist with meeting the basic needs of Nevada's most vulnerable citizens."
Washoe County Sheriff Chuck Allen said that he is proud of both agencies' role in this joint effort.
"We know that the potential cost of SNAP fraud is high," Sheriff Allen said. "Today we see the benefit of local and state agencies successfully combining their resources to uncover a rampant fraud ring and protect the public's interest."
To report SNAP fraud in Nevada, visit: http://www.dwss.nv.gov/ and click on the link to report welfare fraud in Nevada at the bottom of the page or call (775) 684-8757.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.