Nick Shirley unveils alleged $16M Somali welfare fraud in Minnesota in latest investigation

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Independent journalist and YouTuber Nick Shirley, who rose to prominence last year for exposing alleged misuse of Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program, has released a new investigation claiming millions more in welfare funds were improperly paid to Somali-linked businesses.

In a video published Wednesday, January 14, Shirley alleges that a transportation company listed in state records received millions of taxpayer dollars despite showing no evidence of legitimate operations, reigniting debate over oversight of Minnesota’s welfare programs.

Nick Shirley investigates alleged Somali welfare fraud

In the latest video, Shirley continues his reporting alongside whistleblower David Hoch. The two attempt to locate a company called Advanced Mobility, which state records list as a transportation provider eligible for public funding.

While visiting the listed address, Shirley questioned nearby residents about the company’s presence. One local responded that he had never heard of the business. Hoch pointed out discrepancies in the state’s records, noting that Advanced Mobility was reportedly located in “Suite 224” of a one-story building with no such suite number.

According to the video, the pair later entered what was supposed to be the transportation company’s office, only to find a money wiring service operating at the location. Shirley is heard calling the situation fraudulent, stating the business did not match its description in official filings despite allegedly receiving millions in public funds.

Shirley later shared promotional posts tied to the video on social media, including merchandise referencing earlier daycare investigations that first brought him national attention.

Minnesota daycare fraud allegations and state oversight concerns

Shirley’s reporting has largely focused on Somali-run daycares and transportation businesses accused of exploiting welfare programs. In earlier footage referenced in the video, Shirley and Hoch attempted to question workers at a daycare listed as serving more than 100 children while receiving millions in state funding.

During that encounter, Hoch asked where the children were, citing funding totals exceeding $2.5 million annually. The interaction ended when staff refused to answer questions and shut the door.

Ahead of the new video’s release, Shirley posted a photo of himself and Hoch standing outside the Quality Learning Center, a daycare previously featured in his reporting. The center had drawn online attention after misspelling “learning” on its signage, an error that was later corrected. In the image, the men wore sweatshirts referencing the earlier spelling alongside the phrase “1-800-FRAUD.”

Shirley also claimed he was confronted by a group of Somali individuals near one of the locations examined during the investigation.

Political fallout and federal response

In the video, Shirley claimed the newly uncovered case involved approximately $16 million in fraudulent payments, adding to previous allegations of systemic abuse within Minnesota’s welfare system.

The broader controversy has drawn national attention. Shirley’s claims have been amplified by high-profile figures, including Elon Musk, President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance.

Following mounting scrutiny, the Trump administration halted childcare payments to Minnesota and several other states pending further investigation. The Department of Homeland Security also announced what it described as its largest immigration operation ever in Minneapolis.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who had previously faced criticism over oversight failures, announced he would not seek reelection, citing the need to focus on protecting Minnesotans from criminal exploitation of public programs.