The Shawn Ryan Show #273 Steve Robinson - How Somali Criminal Networks Are Stealing Millions of Dollars
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Jan 22, 2026 
Steve Robinson, Editor-in-Chief of The Maine Wire, dives into eye-opening investigations of Somali criminal networks draining millions through Medicaid fraud. He details his early challenges breaking these stories and the alarming 35% error rates found in dubious billing practices. Discover how political pushback and decentralized fraud complicate accountability. Robinson also highlights the misuse of donations following tragic events and the ties between migrant services and local political agendas, painting a vivid picture of corruption in Maine.
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Local Media Ignored Major Fraud Until National Spotlight
- Steve Robinson says local media and politicians often ignore whistleblowers and audits until national attention forces action.
- Persistent investigative reporting can unlock federal investigations and public accountability where state actors stall.
Stopping Fraud Often Trumps Retrieving Funds
- Steve Robinson believes removing fraud and voting out complicit officials is the most realistic accountability.
- He doubts full financial recovery or widespread prison terms given scale and decentralized nature of the schemes.
Fraud As Nation-Building For Somalia
- Robinson frames Somali-linked fraud as a coordinated, long-term nation-building money flow supporting political factions abroad.
- He links money transmission and political protection as key parts of the scheme's resilience.
