Full Breakdown
Federal Indictment Targets $46.6 Million Minnesota Autism Therapy Fraud
5/25/2026, 6:28:23 AM
Indictment Overview
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Friday that the DOJ indicted two Minnesota residents for an alleged $46.6 million Medicaid fraud targeting Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) program. The indictment charges Shamso Ahmed Hassan and Hanaan Mursal Yusuf with conspiracy, health-care fraud, and money laundering. Prosecutors say Hassan, a shareholder in Smart Therapy Center and Star Autism Center, failed to disclose her ownership, and Yusuf submitted Medicaid claims for the centers. The scheme paid kickbacks to families, steered children to the centers, and billed Medicaid for unrendered services. Of the $46.6 million claimed, $21.6 million was paid before indictment.
Background of the EIDBI Program
Minnesota’s EIDBI program reimburses Medicaid for autism therapies. Law requires providers to disclose ownership interests to Department of Human Services. Violations can lead to restitution and criminal fraud and money-laundering charges.
Key Figures
Shamso Ahmed Hassan, a shareholder in Smart Therapy Center and Star Autism Center, and Hanaan Mursal Yusuf, an employee at Smart Therapy Center, are accused of undisclosed ownership and fraudulent Medicaid claims. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. presented the indictment and called it the largest autism-related fraud bust in U.S. history.
Data & Statistics
Fraud totals $46.6 million, of which $21.6 million was paid out before indictment; restitution of $21.6 million is sought. Hassan faces one count of conspiracy, one count of money laundering, and two counts of health-care fraud; Yusuf faces one count of conspiracy, one count of money laundering, and five counts of health-care fraud. DOJ has indicted 15 individuals in schemes targeting over $90 million in taxpayer funds.
Official Statements & Responses
Secretary Kennedy said the arrests represent “the largest autism fraud bust in American history.” He called it organized theft that exploited vulnerable children, deceived families, and diverted taxpayer dollars intended for legitimate care. Kennedy warned that fraudulent autism diagnoses increase barriers for families navigating complex therapy and support systems, underscoring rigorous oversight of Medicaid-funded services.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Today's arrests represent the largest autism fraud bust in American history.” — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., HHS Secretary
- “Today's arrests represent the largest autism fraud bust in American history. This was not a paperwork error. It was not a technical violation. This was organized theft that exploited the most vulnerable children in America, deceived families, stole taxpayer dollars meant to help children with autism access legitimate care and support,” — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., HHS Secretary
- “Every fraudulent autism diagnosis steals time, care and resources from the children for whom this program was designed and who desperately need this care.” — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., HHS Secretary
- “Families with autistic children already face enormous challenges navigating therapies, specialists and support systems.” — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., HHS Secretary
