Jack Neel Podcast "This Fraud Goes Deeper." Nick Shirley on Exposing Minnesotas $30 Billion Dollar Fraud Scandal
Jan 17, 2026
Nick Shirley, an investigative content creator and YouTuber, joins to discuss his groundbreaking work exposing a staggering $30 billion welfare and daycare fraud scandal in Minnesota. He shares chilling stories of blacked-out daycares and the political fallout that followed his revelations, including threats against his life. The podcast dives into federal responses, the role of the Somali community, and the impact of these fraud schemes on Minnesota's economy. Shirley’s gripping insights on corruption and the personal toll of his investigations are both eye-opening and alarming.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Welfare Fraud Is Vast And Visible
- Nick Shirley exposed open, systemic welfare fraud in Minnesota involving daycares, NEMT and other programs worth billions.
- Estimates range from $110M (video) to $9–30B (government/whistleblower) showing large measurement uncertainty.
Empty Daycare Seen Receiving Millions
- At Mako Child Care Nick found blacked-out windows, broken doorbell, and no staff despite millions in state payments.
- He used on-site footage to show centers receiving funds while appearing non-operational.
Viral Expose Led To Personal Threats
- After publishing his expose, Nick received death threats and flyers urging violence against him.
- He says the video triggered polarized reactions and personal targeting across Minnesota.