DHS Office of Inspector General investigates Broken Arrow man for alleged SNAP fraud

Oklahoma City -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG) aggressively works to prevent food stamp trafficking throughout the state.  Recently the DHS-OIG conducted an investigation into a Broken Arrow man who reportedly stole more than $282,000 from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as “food stamps.”

On March 7, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma charged Milton Islam with theft of government property.  That followed a months-long joint investigation between DHS-OIG and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General.  The investigation focused on suspected illegal activity occurring at the Apache Food Mart in Tulsa.

Through a scheme known as “food stamp trafficking” it is alleged Islam stole $282,912 from SNAP.  Food stamp trafficking involves the buying, selling, and trading of SNAP benefits for cash or ineligible non-food items.  If convicted, the statutory maximum penalty is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

DHS-OIG is dedicated to fighting fraud, waste and abuse in the SNAP program.  Report SNAP fraud or fraud in any program administered by the DHS by contacting the DHS-OIG Fraud Hotline at (800) 784-5887 or via email at OIGFraud2@okdhs.org

###