US Judge Allows Man Convicted in $250 Million Food Aid Fraud Scheme to Travel to Kenya to Sell Properties

A man with Kenyan ties who was found guilty of stealing food aid has been granted permission by a United States court to travel to Kenya and sell properties he acquired with the stolen funds.

Included in Liban Alishire's assets are a posh apartment in Nairobi and a splendid seaside resort in Diani. In an effort to pay back the millions of dollars he misappropriated from the program, Judge Nancy Brasel has endorsed Alishire's request to travel to Kenya to raise funds to repay the millions he embezzled. As outlined by Alishire, a target of  $712,084, the very amount taken from the program, is anticipated from the auction of both properties. A 30-day approval for Alishire to remain in Kenya has been given by the Minnesota court, at which time the aforementioned properties including his flats in Nairobi should be sold.

It is mandatory for him to maintain contact with his lawyer while in Kenya and to surrender his passport within 24 hours of returning to the US. Alishire is one of 60 individuals engaged in a dubious food relief program. He is accused of establishing a venture to distribute food to those in need. The remaining funds were transferred to a second company, which he utilized to purchase a truck, boat, and real estate.

According to court documents, Alishire controlled a shell company called Hoodo Properties, which he used to launder the proceeds from the fraudulent scheme. On or about November 22, 2021, Alishire conducted a wire transfer of $216,300 from Hoodo Properties to Jaafar Jelle & Co. towards the purchase of the Karibu Palms Resort in Diani Beach, Kenya.

During his court appearance, Alishire admitted guilt to charges of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. His legal team claimed that his familiarity with the Kenyan market gives him an advantage in selling off his assets and obtaining the required funds. In contrast, federal prosecutors feared that he might flee if he travelled back to Kenya, but his lawyer disputed their argument. The attorney also stated that if the accused did not return, the US had an extradition agreement with Kenya which would aid in apprehending him.

Although his wife and children live in the US, Alishire has family ties in Kenya. A date for the verdict has yet to be announced. The other convicts involved were authorized to journey to various nations and liquidate their assets to pay back the funds. One offender has been allowed to travel to Somalia and Saudi Arabia, while another is set to travel to Turkey, Ethiopia, and Dubai.

In the United States, a staggering $250 million has been squandered by individuals masquerading as providers for the hungry.