SNAP/EBT fraud investigation leads to arrest of Massachusetts man, seizure of items with South Carolina, Virginia, tax stamps

A Massachusetts man is facing a list of charges after a fraud investigation in the Bay State.

According to police, an investigator with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Special Investigations Unit for Retailer Operations and Compliance contacted the Chicopee Police Detective Bureau regarding an ongoing fraud investigation in the city.

The investigation focused on Adham’s Smoke Shop and an employee, 47-year-old Mohamed Yahiya of Westfield, who was allegedly involved in fraudulent SNAP/EBT transactions. Yahiya is accused of directing individuals to use their SNAP/EBT benefits to purchase large quantities of Red Bull from Sam’s Club. He would then buy the products back from them at a significantly reduced cash price.

Over several weeks, an undercover investigator purchased $1,731.34 worth of Red Bull and was paid $1,046 in cash. During one interaction, Yahiya also offered a $50 referral fee for bringing in others willing to participate. He further stated that his brother owned two stores and planned to distribute the products between them.

On March 18th, the investigator returned and completed another transaction. During this visit, food items and cigarettes were purchased using an EBT card. The cigarettes were sold at a discounted rate and were not properly stamped with Massachusetts tax markings.

On March 27th, a search warrant was executed at the smoke shop. Investigators recovered marked cases of Red Bull, as well as cigarettes bearing tax stamps from South Carolina and Virginia. Additionally, a box containing single rolled marijuana cigarettes was found behind the counter.

As a result of the investigation, Yahiya was arrested and charged with:

• 3 counts of Food Stamp Trafficking over $250

• 1 count of Food Stamp Trafficking under $250

• 3 counts of Accepting Transitional Assistance Funds for Tobacco

• Possession of unstamped cigarettes (under 12,000)

• Flavored Tobacco Sales

• Possession with intent to distribute a Class D drug

According to court records, at Monday’s arraignment, Yahiya pled not guilty and was granted $5,000 cash bail with a pretrial hearing scheduled for May 28th.

This case remains under investigation.