Somalia’s Ambassador Linked to U.S. Medicaid Fraud

Information has been revealed that Abukar Dahir Osman, Somalia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and current President of the UN Security Council, is associated with a healthcare company, Progressive Health Care Services, previously convicted of Medicaid fraud. This development raises serious questions about the integrity of international diplomacy and the vetting processes for high-level UN positions. As the world grapples with ongoing global conflicts, the irony of a figure embroiled in U.S. taxpayer fraud presiding over matters of international peace and security cannot be overstated.

The confirmation comes amid broader scrutiny of fraud schemes involving Somali networks in the United States, particularly in states like Ohio and Minnesota, where billions in public funds have allegedly been siphoned off through healthcare and daycare programs. Watchdog Media Group has delved into public records, official statements, and social media discussions to uncover the details of this case, highlighting patterns that suggest systemic issues in immigration, welfare programs, and diplomatic immunity.

The Rise of Abukar Dahir Osman: From Ohio Bureaucrat to UN Power Broker

Osman, often referred to as Somalia’s voice on the global stage, has had a multifaceted career that spans public service in the United States and high-stakes diplomacy at the United Nations. Born in Somalia, Osman relocated to the U.S., where he reportedly worked as a supervisor in the Medicaid office in Franklin County, Ohio. Public records also list him as an administrator for daycare facilities in the state, roles that placed him directly in contact with government-funded programs aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.

His ascent to diplomatic prominence began when he was appointed as Somalia’s Permanent Representative to the UN in 2018. By January 1, 2026, Osman assumed the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, a position that grants him significant influence over agenda-setting, peacekeeping missions, and potential authorizations for military interventions worldwide. This role is particularly poignant given Somalia’s own history of UN involvement, including ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and stabilize the region. However, recent revelations have cast a shadow over his credentials, prompting calls for transparency and accountability from U.S. officials and international observers alike.

Osman’s dual life—balancing U.S. residency and Somali diplomacy—exemplifies the complexities of modern migration and global governance. While his advocates praise his contributions to Somali-American communities, critics argue that his background in U.S. welfare systems may have provided opportunities for exploitation, as evidenced by the fraud allegations now surfacing.

Uncovering the Fraud: Progressive Health Care Services and Medicaid Violations

At the heart of the scandal is Progressive Health Care Services, a home health agency based in Cincinnati, Ohio, with which Osman has been directly linked. According to HHS records and investigative reports, the company was convicted of Medicaid fraud, involving the submission of false claims that defrauded American taxpayers of millions. The fraud scheme reportedly included billing for services not rendered, a common tactic in such cases that exploits the complexities of healthcare reimbursement systems. 0 The company’s National Provider Identifier (NPI) appears on the HHS Office of Inspector General’s exclusion list under code 1128a1, which mandates a minimum five-year ban from participating in Medicare and Medicaid due to program-related criminal convictions.

Investigations reveal that Progressive Health Care Services was part of a broader pattern of abuse within Somali-operated healthcare entities. In Ohio alone, similar companies have been implicated in overbilling and phantom services, often targeting immigrant communities. Osman’s association with the firm—potentially as a key figure in its operations—raises concerns about conflicts of interest, especially given his prior role in Ohio’s Medicaid office. Whistleblowers and federal audits have highlighted how such fraud not only drains public coffers but also undermines trust in essential social safety nets.

The financial scale of these schemes is staggering. Comparable cases in Minnesota have seen billions in Medicaid funds diverted, with some proceeds allegedly remitted overseas to support militant groups or personal enrichment. In Osman’s case, the fraud conviction predates his UN appointment, yet it remained under the radar until recent public speculation forced official acknowledgment.

HHS Steps In: Confirmation and Promises of Further Action

On January 5, 2026, HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill publicly confirmed the link between Osman and Progressive Health Care Services via a post on X (formerly Twitter). “I can confirm public speculation that Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman… is in fact associated with Progressive Health Care Services,” O’Neill stated, adding that HHS had previously acted against the company in response to its Medicaid fraud conviction. He teased “more to come,” signaling potential further investigations or sanctions.

This official verification marks a pivotal moment, transforming online rumors into substantiated facts. The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) maintains a robust exclusion database to prevent convicted entities from accessing federal funds, and Progressive’s listing underscores the severity of the violations. While diplomatic immunity protects Osman from direct prosecution in the U.S., the confirmation could prompt diplomatic repercussions, such as requests for Somalia to waive immunity or declare him persona non grata.

Experts note that HHS’s involvement highlights the intersection of domestic fraud and international relations. With the Trump administration emphasizing accountability in federal programs, this case could lead to broader audits of immigrant-led healthcare providers. O’Neill’s statement has fueled discussions on social media, with users demanding swift action to safeguard taxpayer dollars.

Global Repercussions: Fraud’s Shadow Over the UN Security Council

Osman’s presidency of the UN Security Council, which began on January 1, 2026, places him at the helm of critical global decisions. The council, responsible for maintaining international peace, now faces credibility concerns due to its leader’s alleged ties to fraud. Critics argue that this undermines the UN’s authority, especially in regions like Somalia, where UN peacekeeping operations are active against groups like Al-Shabaab.

The scandal has sparked debates about diplomatic vetting. How did a figure with a fraud-linked background ascend to such a position? Some point to the protections afforded by diplomatic status, which shield envoys from host-country laws. This immunity, while essential for diplomacy, can enable abuses, as seen in past cases involving foreign officials. Calls are growing for the U.S. State Department to intervene, potentially through sanctions or expulsion, to preserve the integrity of UN proceedings.

Internationally, reactions vary. Somali officials have yet to respond publicly, but the revelations could strain U.S.-Somalia relations. Meanwhile, UN watchers fear that the controversy distracts from pressing issues like conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, where the Security Council’s decisions carry life-and-death consequences.

Patterns of Exploitation: Somali Networks and Systemic U.S. Fraud

This incident is not isolated but part of a larger pattern involving Somali-American networks exploiting U.S. welfare systems. In Minnesota, over 150 Somali medical providers are barred from Medicaid and Medicare due to fraud, theft, or abuse. 8 High-profile cases, such as the Feeding Our Future scandal, have seen billions funneled through fake childcare and healthcare claims, with funds sometimes remitted to Somalia—potentially supporting militant activities.

Investigations reveal a common playbook: establishing daycare or health agencies in immigrant-heavy areas, inflating claims, and diverting proceeds. Osman’s case fits this mold, with his Ohio connections mirroring schemes elsewhere. Remittances from such fraud constitute a significant portion of Somalia’s GDP, raising alarms about economic dependencies on illicit funds.

These patterns underscore vulnerabilities in U.S. immigration and welfare policies. Critics argue that lax oversight has allowed networks to thrive, costing taxpayers dearly while eroding public trust. Federal probes, including by the FBI, are expanding, with estimates of up to $9 billion in fraudulent Medicaid claims in Minnesota alone.

The Road Ahead: Calls for Accountability and Reform

As the story unfolds, the implications for global security and U.S. domestic policy are profound. Osman’s position at the UN amplifies the need for immediate action—whether through diplomatic channels or enhanced fraud detection measures. Watchdog Media Group urges comprehensive reforms, including stricter vetting for diplomats and audits of welfare programs to prevent future abuses.

This scandal serves as a stark reminder that truth often eclipses fiction in its absurdity. With HHS promising more revelations, the international community must confront how personal improprieties can jeopardize collective security. Only through transparency and vigilance can trust in institutions be restored.

Mainstream Media Blackout: Selective Silence Exposed

As of January 7, 2026, major legacy outlets—CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, MSNBC, ABC, NBC, and CBS—have published zero stories on the HHS-confirmed link between UN Security Council President Abukar Dahir Osman and Progressive Health Care Services, the convicted Medicaid fraud company.

Always framing concerns as racism or xenophobia, the mainstream media have run staggeringly few reports on similar Somali-linked welfare fraud scandals.

But in this case, where a fraud-linked Somali diplomat holds global power, there’s complete silence—no coverage whatsoever.

This pattern speaks for itself: Protective accusations of bigotry when touching on immigrant-linked fraud, total blackout when the story risks broader exposure. This eerie silence from major outlets not only highlights the growing mistrust from the public, but highlights exactly why independent media sources are essential to staying informed.