Salman Elmi was charged yesterday with defrauding Medicaid, allegedly with the help of a group of sex traffickers. He reportedly received an “Outstanding Refugee” award in 2021. The Minnesota Outstanding Refugee Award was a recognition program run by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The purpose is to honor refugees for civic engagement and entrepreneurship. Elmi was considered an outstanding entrepreneur.
The state discontinued the award program in 2024. Discontinuing it was a good idea, since they have a lot of refugees defrauding the state’s DHS.
The award to Mr. Elmi was given by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, which ironically administers Medicaid payments.
NEW YORK CITY – JANUARY 29 2017: thousands gathered in Battery Park to protest President Trump’s immigration ban & march to Foley Square. They deserve the world???
Salman Ahmed Elmi is facing three counts of aiding and abetting by swindling and five counts of aiding and abetting by false representation as part of an alleged scam to bill Medicaid for over $1 million in fraudulent services, Fox 9 Minneapolis reported. The charges also allege that two members involved in the fraud scheme were tied to a sex-trafficking ring involving brothels.
Today, a DHS spokesperson sent journalist Lou Raguse (KARE 11) this statement:
“Salman Elmi’s alleged actions are disturbing and do not reflect the goal of the Outstanding Refugee Awards. They also do not represent Minnesota’s refugee community. We are surrounded by neighbors, coworkers, employees, and friends with powerful stories of resilience in the face of difficult circumstances, who are showing leadership in both small and large ways to improve their communities. The Outstanding Refugee Awards were a way to recognize some of the individuals who make Minnesota better for all of us.”
Salman Elmi was awarded “Outstanding Refugee” by Minnesota.
He was just charged for a $1 million Medicaid fraud scheme. pic.twitter.com/cx4NkaxPOl
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 18, 2026