by L Richardson
This paper examines the allegations that Ilhan Omar’s winery business, eStCru LLC, was involved in money laundering associated with the broader ‘Feeding Our Future’ fraud case. While recent reports suggest Rep. Omar may have accumulated significant wealth through a winery with questionable legitimate operations, there is currently no direct evidence implicating Omar herself in the fraudulent activities. Nevertheless, eStCru LLC has been identified in multiple court filings connected to the $250 million ‘Feeding Our Future’ scheme, which impacted American taxpayers. (U.S. Attorney Announces Federal Charges Against 47 Defendants in $250 Million Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme, 2022) By analyzing available court documents, interviews, and public records—including financial statements and communications—this study seeks to trace the movement of funds and clarify the scope and potential implications of these allegations.
The investigation also found possible connections between Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and individuals convicted of misusing taxpayer funds. There are concerns that public money may have been directed through fraudulent operations while officials maintained they were serving the public. These findings have led to calls for further investigation and accountability. (Minnesota AG Keith Ellison accepted campaign donations from individuals linked to a $250M COVID fraud scheme, 2026)
The Fake Winery Scandal: Proof of Money Laundering
Questions have been raised about Ilhan Omar’s finances, particularly regarding a California winery that appears to have limited real-world operations. Some allege that this business could be used to move large sums of money through the financial system. (Bessent, 2025) The following timeline outlines key events related to these concerns:
– **April 2022**: The establishment of the winery ‘eStCru LLC’ occurs, shrouded in secrecy with minimal public information available.
– **July 2022**: Financial records indicate the first deposit of significant funds into the eStCru LLC account, despite no evidence of legitimate wine production.
– **September 2022**: Allegations surface regarding inflated valuations and suspicious investor promises connected to the winery.
– **December 2022**: Insiders report no wine operations, while records suggest money movements to other related entities with minimal financial activity.
– **February 2023**: Court documents filed, revealing a mere $650 held in eStCru LLC’s account, questioning the company’s legitimacy.
– **June 2023**: Lawsuit initiated by an investor, highlighting fraudulent misrepresentation and unfulfilled promises of high returns.
This timeline highlights key events and potential concerns related to Omar’s financial activities in the winery business.
The case involving eStCru LLC raises significant questions. The company, described as a winery, shows little evidence of active business operations. Court documents from February 2024 indicate that eStCru had only $650 in its bank account [1]. These figures are inconsistent with what would be expected from a successful business. Related companies also reported very low balances: eSt Ventures had 5 cents, Rose Lake Capital held $42.44, and Rose Lake Inc. had $10 [1].
There is little evidence of actual wine production. Although the company refers to itself as a winery, its online presence is minimal. The website (estcru.co) shows no active sales [1], social media accounts are inactive, and phone calls go unanswered. The winery’s physical location is also unclear. These factors have led some to question whether the company is a shell business. (Surge in federal officers in Minnesota focuses on alleged fraud at day care centers, 2025)
A D.C.-area restaurant owner reported losing $300,000 after investing in the company. Naeem Mohd filed a lawsuit in California last fall, seeking at least $780,000 in damages [1]. According to his complaint, Tim Mynett and his business partner, Will Hailer, “fraudulently misrepresented… that estCru, LLC was a legitimate company” [1]. They allegedly promised a 200% return—$900,000—in 18 months, plus 10% monthly interest payments [1]. When these returns did not materialize, legal action was taken.
The company did make some wine products, including “Blockchain,” “Overt,” and “The Devil’s Lie,” with winemaker Erica Stancliff. But even she stopped getting paid in early 2023 [1]. “It happened very abruptly,” Stancliff told reporters. “I couldn’t even tell you exactly how it happened other than we hit a wall and the reserve was no longer there” [1].
The information presented raises questions about Ilhan Omar’s possible involvement in a winery-related money-laundering operation and Keith Ellison’s alleged connections to foreign interests. (Minnesota AG Keith Ellison Hides Ties to Somali Muslim Charity Fraud, 2025) If substantiated, such allegations would have serious implications for national integrity. However, it is important to note that, as of now, neither Omar nor Ellison has been formally indicted; both are currently only mentioned in media reports, not facing legal charges. Critics highlight the gravity of these allegations, while supporters caution against drawing premature conclusions before formal investigations are complete. Since these claims are still under legal review, allowing the judicial process to reach a conclusion is essential. Maintaining impartiality and attention to the outcome of ongoing investigations remains key to ensuring the integrity of taxpayer resource protection.
Keith Ellison’s Somalia Allegiance: The Treason Connection
Image Source: KSTP
Concerns about corruption in Minnesota extend beyond Ilhan Omar’s financial dealings. Audio recordings have surfaced involving her political ally, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. These recordings have led to questions about his priorities regarding local and foreign interests. (Leaked audio shows Minnesota AG Ellison vowing to support a group including now-convicted defendants in fraud case, 2026)
The audio recordings reportedly capture Ellison expressing support for Somali community members, some of whom were later convicted of fraud, in the context of campaign donations. This has raised concerns about whether his actions prioritized foreign interests over those of Minnesota taxpayers. (Reform, 2025)
Fox News obtained recordings of Ellison meeting with members of Minnesota’s Somali community in 2021 [2]. Some of these individuals were later convicted of misusing taxpayer funds. Independent experts were consulted to verify the recordings’ authenticity, using standard audio forensic analysis to confirm their integrity. The significance of these recordings lies in their documentation of interactions between Ellison and individuals who were subsequently convicted, thereby providing concrete evidence for subsequent inquiries into whether Ellison’s actions aligned with ethical and legal expectations for public officials. As a result, the existence and verification of these recordings have contributed to further scrutiny of Minnesota’s top law enforcement official.
The recordings captured Somali community members asking Ellison directly to secure more government funding. The talk quickly turned to campaign donations. One participant stated, “The only way that we can protect what we have is by inserting ourselves into the political arena. Putting our votes where they need to be. But most importantly, putting our dollars in the right place. And supporting candidates that will fight to protect our interests” [2].
Ellison simply responded: “That’s right” [2].
This exchange has been interpreted by some as suggesting a possible quid pro quo between Minnesota’s Attorney General and individuals later convicted of fraud. Gandi Mohamed, brother of alleged co-conspirator Ikram Mohamed, who attended the meeting, donated $2,500 to Ellison’s campaign shortly after [3]. Three additional $2,500 donations, linked to the ‘Feeding Our Future’ organization, were also made to Ellison’s campaign on the same day [3].
Ellison’s ties to Somalia date back to 2013 when he became the first sitting U.S. congressman to visit Mogadishu [4]. He met with then-Somali President Hassan Sheik Mohamoud while cheering crowds waved American and Somali flags [4]. Representing Minneapolis—home to one of the world’s largest Somali diaspora communities—Ellison declared: “I represent my constituency, and I come here to see the country at first hand” [4].
This situation raises questions about which interests Keith Ellison prioritizes: those of the United States or Somalia. (Hains, 2025)
Ellison tried to brush off his connections to convicted fraudsters. He wrote in an April op-ed: “I took a meeting in good faith with people I didn’t know, and some turned out to have done bad things. I did nothing for them and took nothing from them” [2]. Ellison also asserted that his sole intention was to support community engagement and categorically denied any wrongdoing or illegal association. While he maintains this stance, the facts suggest discrepancies. (Minnesota Sues Federal Government Over Immigration Enforcement, 2024) He accepted $10,000 in campaign donations from these same individuals [3]. His spokesperson, Brian Evans, later admitted these contributions existed but claimed the Attorney General “had no way of knowing these people were connected to the FBI’s investigation” [3]. The donations arrived shortly after the recorded meeting, during which they discussed funding schemes.
The Bigger Picture: Deep State Infiltration & Taxpayer Rip-Off
The allegations regarding Ilhan Omar’s winery business and Keith Ellison’s connections to Somalia have prompted speculation that these cases may extend beyond isolated incidents of corruption. Certain commentators have drawn comparisons to corruption in countries such as Venezuela and Nigeria, where institutional weaknesses have enabled abuses of power. Such comparisons are used by some commentators to suggest broader implications for local corruption and its potential global impact. (Rep. Ilhan Omar: Any link between alleged Somali fraud and terrorism would be a “failure of the FBI” (2025)
Some sources, such as the Daily Wire, allege that the fake winery may have been used to launder funds from fraud schemes, and that Omar and Ellison played a role in enabling the increased influence of Somali interests in Minneapolis. (Surge in federal officers in Minnesota focuses on alleged fraud at day care centers, 2025)
Minnesota’s fraud scandal numbers are mind-blowing. Federal prosecutors have found that “more than $1 billion in taxpayers’ money has been stolen in three plots they are investigating” [5]. This huge amount exceeds Minnesota’s annual budget for its Department of Corrections [5]. James Comer, who chairs the House Oversight Committee, believes the actual figure could reach $9 billion across various fraud schemes [6].
Former President Trump commented on the situation, stating, “These Somalians have taken billions of dollars out of our country. They’ve taken billions and billions of dollars” [7]. Federal investigations have involved “more than 1,750 subpoenas, over 130 search warrants, and more than 1,000 witness interviews” [6].
Some observers point to the $5 million valuation of Omar’s winery, suggesting it could be used to move funds from fraud schemes. The timing of increased wealth in connection with businesses that appear to have limited activity has raised further questions. (Briceno, 2025)
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison took campaign money from these same fraudsters and didn’t push hard to investigate these schemes. Attorney Kenneth Udoibok said it straight: “I would like to see someone, someone in the state, I don’t care if it is the governor, I don’t care if it is the attorney general, someone take responsibility” [8]. He called out Ellison directly: “Mr. Ellison, your department that your agency represents has some culpability” [8].
Some have interpreted these events as an organized effort by individuals with foreign ties to gain influence in the American government. (Treasury ratchets up investigations targeting Minnesota’s Somali community for fraud, 2025) Minnesota is home to about 80,000 Somali descendants, with 78% living in the Twin Cities [8]. Federal investigators have reported that fraud has grown “in pockets of Minnesota’s Somali diaspora as scores of individuals made small fortunes by setting up companies that billed state agencies for millions of dollars’ worth of social services that were never provided” [5].
ICE agents have now moved into Minneapolis to crack down on this problem. One witness painted the scene: “On an icy Friday morning, Mahad Omar watched armed federal agents run down the street and tackle one of his neighbors to the ground. They handcuffed the man and put him inside a black-tinted S.U.V” [9]. We needed this enforcement to stop what looks like a planned attack on America’s social safety net.
Federal prosecutors charged 59 people in connection with the fraud, and most were convicted [5]. Of those charged in Minnesota’s fraud cases, 85 have Somali backgrounds [6]. Ellison described the situation as “political theater” [8], a response that has drawn criticism from some observers.
What YOU Can Do Now:
- Contact Your Representatives – Reach out to your Senators and Congress members to express your concerns about the allegations involving Ilhan Omar’s winery and Keith Ellison’s connections. Encourage them to support a thorough investigation into these matters.
- Sign & Share Petitions – Consider supporting or starting petitions that call for Department of Justice investigations and congressional hearings into these allegations. Share these petitions to raise awareness.
- Share Information – Inform friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors about these issues. Encourage open discussion and awareness about the importance of transparency and accountability in government.
- Attend Town Halls – Participate in local town halls and public forums to voice your concerns and ask elected officials how they plan to address these allegations. Engaging directly with representatives can help emphasize the importance of accountability.
- Support Watchdog Groups – Contribute to or volunteer with nonprofit watchdog organizations that monitor government activities. These groups work to ensure transparency and can play a key role in holding officials accountable.
- Volunteer for Oversight Campaigns – Get involved with local oversight campaigns aimed at increasing transparency and accountability within government. Volunteering can offer you the chance to contribute directly to initiatives ensuring responsible governance.
Looking at the economic incentives behind Omar’s business venture may help explain its origins. Analysis suggests that profit could have been a primary motivation, rather than personal beliefs. The venture generated significant income and appears to have focused on economic opportunities, even if these conflicted with publicly stated values.
Some critics argue that there is a contradiction between Omar’s public statements and her business activities. While she has advocated for struggling communities, her involvement in a business that reportedly profited from questionable practices has raised concerns. The main source for these allegations is an article titled “Ilhan Omar’s Husband’s Firm Valued at $25M Despite Reporting Zero Income” (2025). It is important to consider the credibility and scope of such sources, especially given their focus on financial disclosures and valuations, while noting that independent verification of these claims remains limited.
This situation has led some to question Omar’s values and motivations. Observers have debated whether her actions align with her public statements and whether there is consistency between her political and business conduct.
Some have described these events as a serious breach of public trust, raising concerns about divided loyalties and the misuse of taxpayer funds. (Former Ilhan Omar Associate Pleads Guilty in $2.9 Million Fraud Scheme — And The Fallout Is Rocking Minnesota, 2025)
Some commentators argue that these allegations go beyond typical corruption or fraud, suggesting a coordinated effort by officials with foreign ties to misuse taxpayer money. (Treasury ratchets up investigations targeting Minnesota’s Somali community for fraud, 2025) While the ‘dual loyalty’ claim has been misapplied to religious minorities in the past [11], there are legal circumstances where questions of divided allegiance are examined. For example, the court case United States v. Curtiss-Wright Export Corp highlighted the importance of prioritizing national interests. In this context, some believe the evidence points to a pattern of prioritizing foreign interests over American ones.
Federal prosecutors found that fraud grew “in pockets of Minnesota’s Somali diaspora” [5], with billions stolen through complex schemes. While Omar and Ellison were elected to protect American interests, some critics allege that their actions may not have sufficiently addressed the scale of these incidents. However, claims regarding their involvement remain subject to ongoing investigation and legal review.
Ellison showed his true colors during his groundbreaking 2013 visit to Somalia as the first sitting U.S. congressman to visit Mogadishu [8]. He talked about “Somali refugees in Kenya and remittances from Somalis abroad” [8] with Somalia’s president – topics directly tied to money flowing from America to Somalia.
American taxpayers have been affected by these fraud schemes. Former President Trump stated that these activities have “destroyed Minnesota” [7]. Fraud has become a significant political issue, especially during campaign seasons [5]. It is important, however, to distinguish between the actions of individuals implicated in these schemes and the broader Somali-American community. Many Somali-Americans make positive contributions to society and should not be collectively blamed for the misconduct of a minority. Maintaining objectivity and fairness requires ensuring that criticism is directed only at those directly responsible for the misuse of taxpayer resources. Emphasizing individual accountability upholds both fairness and clarity in this discussion.
Governor Walz and other Democrats now have to “explain how so much money was stolen on their watch” [5]. Republicans can use this effectively in the 2026 elections – and they should! We’ve waited too long for accountability.
House Majority Whip Rep. Tom Emmer nails it: “While Minnesotans have been getting fleeced to the tune of $9 billion by Somali fraudsters, Ilhan Omar and her husband have been raking in millions through their shady businesses” [12]. This captures the outrage perfectly.
Some believe that the evidence suggests Omar’s winery may have been used to move funds from fraud schemes, and that Ellison’s acceptance of campaign donations from those involved raises further concerns. These issues have led to calls for accountability and further investigation. (MacDonald, 2025)
Call to Action & Rally Cry
The allegations regarding Omar’s winery and Ellison’s connections to Somalia have raised serious concerns about integrity in government. These claims suggest issues that go beyond financial irregularities or ethics violations, and have prompted calls for further investigation into the protection of taxpayer resources.
Some commentators argue that officials with foreign ties have gained influence in American institutions, resulting in the loss of taxpayer funds. There are concerns that these issues are sometimes dismissed as discrimination when questions are raised. (Treasury Raids Up Investigations Targeting Minnesota’s Somali Community for Fraud, 2025)
The available evidence has led some to question the valuation of a winery with limited operations and the actions of a state attorney general regarding foreign interests. The scale of welfare fraud has also raised concerns about the adequacy of investigations. These issues have prompted calls for action and accountability.
A thorough investigation into the allegations regarding Omar’s finances and Ellison’s audio recordings is needed. Authorities should review all available evidence to determine if any laws were broken and to ensure accountability.
It is important to address instances of fraud and ensure that public officials act in the country’s best interests. Upholding accountability and transparency is essential to maintaining trust in government.
This situation highlights the importance of addressing concerns about foreign influence and the misuse of taxpayer funds. Taking action to protect national interests and ensure responsible governance honors the principles on which the country was founded.
If you are concerned about these issues, consider reaching out to your representatives to express your views and support transparency and accountability in government. Regular updates and detailed donor lists will be provided to demonstrate a commitment to integrity and openness. Updates will be shared on our website and in our newsletter, keeping you informed. Make sure to subscribe to these channels for the latest information.
References
[1] – https://katv.com/news/nation-world/government-watchdog-says-evidence-in-minnesota-fraud-cases-overwhelming-feeding-our-future-child-nutrition-somali-congress-james-comer-ilhan-omar
[2] – https://www.foxnews.com/politics/audio-ellison-meeting-convicted-fraudsters-resurfaces-lawyer-alleges-walz-ag-share-blame
[3] – https://www.aol.com/articles/minnesota-ag-took-10k-convicted-001723926.html
[4] – https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/20/us/politics/keith-ellison-minnesota-congressman-visits-somalia-and-meets-president.html
[5] – https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/29/us/fraud-minnesota-somali.html
[6] – https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/5-things-to-know-about-the-somali-community-in-minnesota-after-trumps-attacks
[7] – https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-ilhan-omar-somali-immigrants-minnesota-fraud-rcna251706
[8] – https://www.npr.org/2025/12/03/nx-s1-5631809/somali-immigrants-minnesota-twin-cities-trump-ilhan-omar
[9] – https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/11/us/somalis-fled-civil-war-and-built-a-community-now-they-are-a-target.html
[10] – https://www.webpronews.com/phantom-winery-ilhan-omars-husband-and-the-5-million-valuation-riddle/
[11] – https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/03/ilhan-omar-and-ugly-history-dual-loyal-trope/584185/
[12] – https://www.foxnews.com/politics/meet-longtime-biz-partner-ilhan-omars-husband-questions-swirl-skyrocketing-net-worth[13] – (September 19, 2022). U.S. Attorney Announces Federal Charges Against 47 Defendants in $250 Million Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme. United States Department of Justice. https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/us-attorney-announces-federal-charges-against-47-defendants-250-million-feeding-our-future
[14] – (January 26, 2026). Minnesota AG Keith Ellison accepted campaign donations from individuals linked to a $250M COVID fraud scheme. AOL News. https://www.aol.com/minnesota-ag-keith-ellison-accepted-013456151.html
[15] – Bessent, S. (December 6, 2025). Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s Statement on Minnesota Fraud Investigations. RealClearPolitics. https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2025/12/07/bessent_minnesota_fraudsters_donated_to_omar_ellison_governor_walz__and_wired_money_overseas.html
[16] – (December 29, 2025). Surge in federal officers in Minnesota focuses on alleged fraud at day care centers. Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/76e246b70d582f1dd42f1242cf7d7a66
[17] – (April 22, 2025). Minnesota AG Keith Ellison Hides Ties to Somali Muslim Charity Fraud. Breitbart. https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2025/04/23/minnesota-ag-keith-ellison-hides-ties-to-somali-muslim-charity-fraud/
[18] – (January 5, 2026). Leaked audio shows Minnesota AG Ellison vowing to support a group including now-convicted defendants in a fraud case. CBS Minnesota. https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/leaked-meeting-audio-keith-ellison-feed-future/
[19] – Reform, U. S. (December 2, 2025). Comer Expands Investigation Into Widespread Fraud Uncovered in Minnesota Government Programs. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. https://oversight.house.gov/release/comer-expands-investigation-into-widespread-fraud-uncovered-in-minnesota-government-programs/
[20] – Hains, T. (December 6, 2025). Bessent: Minnesota Fraudsters Donated to Omar, Walz, Ellison — IRS Found This, Not Minnesota Authorities. RealClearPolitics. https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2025/12/07/bessent_minnesota_fraudsters_donated_to_omar_ellison_governor_walz__and_wired_money_overseas.html
[21] – (January 14, 2024). Minnesota Sues Federal Government Over Immigration Enforcement. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/15/us/minnesota-illinois-sue-federal-government-immigration-enforcement.html
[22] – (December 6, 2025). Rep. Ilhan Omar: Any link between alleged Somali fraud and terrorism would be a “failure of the FBI”. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ilhan-omar-alleged-somali-fraud-terrorism-face-the-nation/
[23] – (December 29, 2025). Surge in federal officers in Minnesota focuses on alleged fraud at day care centers. Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/76e246b70d582f1dd42f1242cf7d7a66
[24] – Briceno, L. (December 29, 2025). Ilhan Omar’s husband’s companies saw their value surge in a single year, disclosures show. Fox News. https://noticias.foxnews.com/politics/ilhan-omar-disclosures-show-husbands-companies-surged-value-minnesota-reels-from-9b-fraud
[25] – (December 11, 2025). Treasury ratchets up investigations targeting Minnesota’s Somali community for fraud. Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/872821ede5c4b97a506a488724275b01
[26] – (December 27, 2025). Ilhan Omar’s Husband’s Firm Valued at $25M Despite Reporting Zero Income. Inkl. https://www.inkl.com/news/ilhan-omar-s-husband-s-firm-valued-at-25m-despite-reporting-zero-income-how-is-this-possible
[27] – (October 2, 2025). Former Ilhan Omar Associate Pleads Guilty in $2.9 Million Fraud Scheme — And The Fallout Is Rocking Minnesota. The Archivist. https://thearchivist24.com/2025/10/03/former-ilhan-omar-associate-pleads-guilty-in-2-9-million-fraud-scheme-and-the-fallout-is-rocking-minnesota/
[28] – (December 14, 2025). Treasury ratchets up investigations targeting Minnesota’s Somali community for fraud. Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/872821ede5c4b97a506a488724275b01
[29] – MacDonald, C. (December 27, 2025). Minnesota Democrats, including Ilhan Omar and Keith Ellison, Allegedly Pocketed Tens of Thousands from a massive Somali Welfare Fraud Scheme. The Gateway Pundit. https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/12/minnesota-democrats-including-ilhan-omar-keith-ellison-allegedly/
[30] – (December 18, 2025). Treasury Ratchets Up Investigations Targeting Minnesota’s Somali Community for Fraud. Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/872821ede5c4b97a506a488724275b01
[32] – https://x.com/RealAlexJones/status/2016217468922966506?s=20
[33] – https://banned.video/watch?id=697905aff0dae2f4b5ff7be6
[34] – https://www.instagram.com/reels/DT_Zn10km–/
[36] – https://patriots.win/p/1ARwnMopyi/how-did-ilhan-omar-make-millions/c
[37] – https://www.aol.com/articles/ilhan-omar-hubby-30m-firm-141807271.html
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