Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia announces arrest in massive $2.8 million SNAP fraud investigation

Tallahassee, Florida – A Florida man is facing a series of felony charges after investigators uncovered what officials describe as a large-scale fraud operation involving more than $2.8 million in public assistance funds intended for struggling families.

On Tuesday, Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced the arrest of Abbas Rehman, who authorities say orchestrated an elaborate scheme targeting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as SNAP.

According to the Florida Department of Financial Services, the arrest followed an investigation led by the agency’s Criminal Investigations Division. Detectives with the Bureau of Public Assistance Fraud alleged that Rehman used stolen business identities to gain access to government benefit funds that were meant to help low-income residents purchase food.

Investigators say the fraud scheme centered around falsified merchant applications connected to four retailers already authorized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to process SNAP transactions. Authorities allege that Rehman manipulated banking information connected to those businesses, rerouting benefit payments into accounts tied to the scheme.

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The investigation found that the operation resulted in the theft of $2,880,835.81 in SNAP funds.

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia condemned the alleged crimes in a sharply worded statement released after the arrest.

“SNAP benefits are intended to help vulnerable Floridians when they need it most, not to be exploited for profits by criminals. This criminal tried to steal from the hardworking families who rely on these benefits to put food on the table, but he quickly found out that Florida is not Minnesota and we do not let these crimes go without consequence. My office will continue to protect taxpayer funds and hold criminals who try to cheat the system accountable.”

Authorities arrested Rehman on April 30, 2026. He now faces several felony charges, including grand theft, organized scheme to defraud, and criminal use of personal identification information.

Officials have not yet disclosed whether additional arrests could follow or whether investigators believe others may have participated in the operation. The case remains under active investigation.

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Public assistance fraud cases involving SNAP benefits have become an increasing concern for law enforcement agencies across the country in recent years, particularly as criminals use stolen identities and digital banking manipulation to access government funds. Florida investigators say cases like this can directly impact families who depend on assistance programs during periods of financial hardship.

The Department of Financial Services emphasized that protecting taxpayer dollars and safeguarding benefit programs remain priorities for state investigators. Officials also encouraged businesses and individuals to closely monitor financial accounts and report suspicious activity that may indicate identity theft or fraud.

If convicted on the charges, Rehman could face significant prison time under Florida law.