Official Complaint Letters
To All Investigating Agencies

I am writing to submit a formal complaint and request for federal investigation into what I believe to be an ongoing, large-scale SNAP/EBT benefits fraud operation being conducted at Manhattan Fish & Chicken Market. The business operates at two confirmed locations: (1) 13224 Woodward Ave, Highland Park, Michigan 48203 (phone: 313-866-4000) and (2) 27231 W Seven Mile Rd, Redford, Michigan 48240 (phone: 313-766-5770). The business website is manhattanmarketfnc.com.

CRITICAL SELF-INCRIMINATING EVIDENCE: The operators' own website at www.manhattanmarketfnc.com publicly and prominently displays "EBT ACCEPTED HERE" on the homepage banner for the Highland Park hot food restaurant, and "EBT COMING SOON" for the Redford location. This is a direct, written public admission by the business operators themselves that they are accepting SNAP/EBT at a hot food restaurant. Investigators should immediately archive this website at web.archive.org as primary evidence before operators remove it.

The individuals I am alleging are responsible for this fraud scheme are Youssef Ahmed Baraghith, Moustafa Mohamed A. Baraghith, and Ahmed Mohamed Baraghith, who are believed to be the owners and operators of this chain of fast food restaurants operating under the name "Manhattan Fish & Chicken Market."

Nature of the Alleged Fraud:

Manhattan Fish & Chicken Market is a fried food restaurant that primarily sells hot prepared food items including fried chicken, fried fish (catfish), hot wings, macaroni and cheese, and similar hot meals. Under 7 U.S.C. § 2014(b) and all applicable USDA SNAP regulations, such hot prepared foods are explicitly ineligible for SNAP purchase in every U.S. state. Furthermore, Michigan does not operate a Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), meaning no restaurant in Michigan is authorized to accept SNAP benefits for any hot food item under any circumstances.

Despite this clear federal prohibition, the following fraudulent practices are alleged to be occurring at this establishment:

1. Direct Solicitation of EBT for Hot Food: On or around [DATE WITNESSED], I and/or individuals known to me visited the establishment at 13224 Woodward Ave, Highland Park, MI 48203. Upon ordering hot prepared food items (fried chicken and/or fried fish), a cashier at the location proactively offered and encouraged the use of an EBT/SNAP card to pay for the hot food order. The cashier's conduct demonstrated that this was a routine practice at this location, not an isolated incident.

2. Fraudulent Transaction Processing: EBT transactions for hot fried food are alleged to be processed through the point-of-sale system using product codes or descriptions corresponding to SNAP-eligible grocery items (such as staple food products) rather than the actual hot prepared food being sold. This deliberate miscoding of transactions is designed to evade SNAP system controls and oversight mechanisms.

3. Installation of a Fraudulent "Market" Front: The establishment contains a small display of standard grocery items — including items such as bread, milk, and packaged goods — which appear to have been installed specifically to maintain SNAP retailer authorization status. The primary business activity is overwhelmingly the sale of hot prepared fried food. Under USDA FNS Policy Memorandum 2023-01 and 7 CFR 278.1(b)(1)(iv), if more than 50% of a firm's sales consist of heated, hot, or cold prepared foods, it is classified as a restaurant and is ineligible for SNAP authorization in Michigan. The grocery display appears designed to fraudulently obtain and maintain retailer SNAP authorization.

4. Multi-Location Operation: This alleged scheme is not limited to the Highland Park location. Multiple Manhattan Fish & Chicken Market locations operating throughout Detroit, Dearborn, and the surrounding metropolitan area are believed to be employing the same fraudulent SNAP acceptance methodology. This strongly suggests a coordinated, organized fraud scheme rather than isolated misconduct.

5. Proceeds of Fraud: The alleged operators are reported to have accumulated substantial personal assets — including fully paid-off real estate valued in the millions of dollars — that appear disproportionate to the legitimate revenue of a small fast food chain operating in lower-income urban areas. This accumulation of wealth is consistent with years of large-scale government benefits fraud.

6. Security Measures: The establishment is equipped with bullet-resistant (bullet-proof) glass partitions. An armed individual believed to be Youssef Ahmed Baraghith was observed positioned behind this glass. The level of security investment at a fast food location is consistent with protecting a high-value illicit revenue operation.

Applicable Federal Law:

This alleged conduct violates 7 U.S.C. § 2024 (SNAP trafficking), 7 U.S.C. § 2014(b) (hot food prohibition), and 7 CFR 278.6 (retailer fraud). The aggregate value of fraudulently processed SNAP transactions over the alleged multi-year duration of this scheme likely reaches into the millions of dollars, placing this matter in the most serious federal criminal category. Under 7 U.S.C. § 2024, SNAP trafficking involving $5,000 or more carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

I respectfully request that the USDA Office of Inspector General open a formal investigation into this matter, conduct undercover operations at the Highland Park location and all associated Manhattan Fish & Chicken Market locations, subpoena the establishment's EBT transaction records, and pursue all appropriate criminal and civil penalties against the responsible parties.

I am willing to provide additional information, cooperate with investigators, and if necessary, provide a formal sworn statement. Please contact me at the information provided above.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your service in protecting the integrity of federal nutrition assistance programs.

I am writing to formally request an immediate review and revocation of the SNAP retailer authorization currently held by Manhattan Fish & Chicken Market, operating at two confirmed locations: (1) 13224 Woodward Ave, Highland Park, Michigan 48203 and (2) 27231 W Seven Mile Rd, Redford, Michigan 48240 (manhattanmarketfnc.com).

SMOKING GUN EVIDENCE FROM THEIR OWN WEBSITE: The business's own homepage at www.manhattanmarketfnc.com openly advertises "EBT ACCEPTED HERE" for the Highland Park hot food restaurant and "EBT COMING SOON" for the Redford location. This is a direct public admission. The full website menu confirms the business sells exclusively hot prepared foods (fried chicken, fish, shrimp, 35+ hot combos) available for dine-in and DoorDash delivery. The only non-hot items listed are token add-ons (bread at $0.50/bag, soda). Under USDA FNS Policy Memorandum 2023-01, a business where more than 50% of sales are hot food is a restaurant ineligible for SNAP authorization in Michigan.

Grounds for Immediate SNAP Authorization Revocation:

1. Ineligible Retailer Classification: Pursuant to USDA FNS Policy Memorandum 2023-01 (Retailer Eligibility — Prepared Foods and Heated Foods) and 7 CFR 278.1(b)(1)(iv), any establishment where more than 50% of sales consist of heated foods, hot foods, or cold prepared foods must be classified as a restaurant. Manhattan Fish & Chicken Market's entire menu consists of hot prepared fried food. Michigan does not operate a Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). Therefore, this establishment is categorically ineligible for SNAP authorization as a retail food store and should never have been authorized, or its authorization should be immediately terminated.

2. False Retail Display: The business maintains a token display of grocery items (bread, milk, packaged goods) at the point of sale area that appears to have been installed solely to fraudulently qualify for and maintain SNAP retailer authorization. This "market front" does not represent the actual primary business activity of the establishment, which is overwhelmingly the sale of hot prepared food. This constitutes fraudulent misrepresentation in the retailer authorization application or renewal process.

3. Active Fraudulent Redemption: Staff at this location have been directly witnessed soliciting customers to pay for hot fried food orders using their EBT/SNAP cards — and processing such transactions. This is active, ongoing fraud occurring at an authorized SNAP retailer location. On or around [DATE WITNESSED], a cashier at this location directly offered to process a hot food order using an EBT card.

4. Multi-Location Scheme: Multiple Manhattan Fish & Chicken Market locations throughout Detroit, Dearborn, and Highland Park are alleged to operate under the same fraudulent SNAP acceptance model. I request that all SNAP authorizations held by any entity associated with Youssef Ahmed Baraghith, Moustafa Mohamed A. Baraghith, Ahmed Mohamed Baraghith, and the Manhattan Fish & Chicken Market brand be reviewed immediately.

I respectfully request that FNS Retailer Management: (1) immediately place a hold on all SNAP redemptions at BOTH locations; (2) conduct unannounced compliance visits to both addresses; (3) audit all EBT transaction records; (4) revoke SNAP retailer authorizations; and (5) coordinate with USDA OIG and the U.S. Attorney's Office for prosecution. Archive www.manhattanmarketfnc.com as documentary evidence immediately.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I am available to provide additional information upon request.

I am submitting this formal written complaint to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Fraud Investigation Division to report an alleged ongoing and large-scale SNAP/EBT fraud operation being conducted in the State of Michigan.

The subject of this complaint is Manhattan Fish & Chicken Market, a fried food restaurant chain with two confirmed locations: (1) 13224 Woodward Ave, Highland Park, Michigan 48203 (phone: 313-866-4000) and (2) 27231 W Seven Mile Rd, Redford, Michigan 48240 (phone: 313-766-5770). Website: manhattanmarketfnc.com. The alleged operators are Youssef Ahmed Baraghith, Moustafa Mohamed A. Baraghith, and Ahmed Mohamed Baraghith.

CRITICAL WEBSITE EVIDENCE: The operators' own website at www.manhattanmarketfnc.com publicly displays "EBT ACCEPTED HERE" for the Highland Park location and "EBT COMING SOON" for the Redford location — on the homepage banner, visible to all visitors. This is direct proof of knowing, intentional SNAP fraud, not an isolated cashier error.

This establishment operates as a hot food restaurant, selling exclusively hot prepared food items including fried chicken, fried fish, hot wings, and macaroni and cheese. None of these items are eligible for SNAP purchase under Michigan or federal law. Michigan does not operate a Restaurant Meals Program.

Specific Violations of Michigan Law:

The alleged conduct at this establishment constitutes multiple violations of Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.300a (the Michigan Penal Code's food stamp fraud provision under Act 328 of 1931, as amended). Under MCL § 750.300a, any person who knowingly uses, transfers, acquires, presents for redemption, or transports SNAP benefits or EBT access devices other than as authorized by law is guilty of a crime — from a misdemeanor up to a felony carrying up to 10 years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines, depending on the aggregate value.

On or around [DATE WITNESSED], the following was directly observed or reported by community members:

A cashier at the Highland Park location directly and proactively offered to allow a customer to use their EBT/SNAP card to pay for a hot fried food order. The cashier's manner suggested this was routine business practice. Transactions for hot food are alleged to be processed through the POS system using product codes for SNAP-eligible grocery items, deliberately obscuring the actual transaction for regulatory review purposes.

Additionally, the establishment maintains a small display of grocery items as an apparent front to maintain its SNAP retail authorization, despite operating overwhelmingly as a hot food restaurant — a business classification that is ineligible for SNAP authorization in Michigan under all applicable regulations.

Given the multi-location nature of this operation and the alleged multi-year duration, the aggregate value of fraudulently processed SNAP transactions almost certainly exceeds $1,000 — placing this squarely in the felony range under MCL § 750.300a(1)(c). The alleged operators are reported to have accumulated substantial personal real estate assets disproportionate to legitimate business income, consistent with long-term proceeds of fraud.

I request that MDHHS Fraud Investigation: (1) open a formal case against Manhattan Fish & Chicken Market and its operators; (2) coordinate with USDA OIG and the Michigan Attorney General; (3) review all EBT transaction history for all locations associated with Youssef Ahmed Baraghith, Moustafa Mohamed A. Baraghith, and Ahmed Mohamed Baraghith; and (4) pursue all appropriate administrative and criminal referrals.

I am committed to assisting this investigation in any way I am legally able to do so and am available to provide additional detail.

I am writing to formally request that the Office of the Michigan Attorney General open a criminal investigation into an alleged organized SNAP/EBT fraud scheme operating across multiple locations in Wayne County, Michigan, under the business name Manhattan Fish & Chicken Market.

The alleged operators — Youssef Ahmed Baraghith, Moustafa Mohamed A. Baraghith, and Ahmed Mohamed Baraghith — are believed to have operated this scheme for multiple years across at least two confirmed locations: Highland Park (13224 Woodward Ave) and Redford (27231 W Seven Mile Rd). Their website manhattanmarketfnc.com directly advertises "EBT ACCEPTED HERE" at their hot food restaurant — a direct written admission of the fraud.

In summary, this establishment operates as a hot fried food restaurant. It is alleged that: (a) EBT/SNAP cards are routinely accepted for hot food items that are ineligible under federal and Michigan law; (b) transactions are fraudulently coded as SNAP-eligible grocery purchases to conceal the fraud; (c) a fake "market" display was installed to fraudulently obtain and maintain SNAP retailer authorization; and (d) this scheme has operated across multiple locations, generating alleged proceeds of millions of dollars over several years.

This matter implicates multiple Michigan criminal statutes:

MCL § 750.300a — Food stamp / SNAP access device fraud, a felony punishable by up to 10 years and $250,000 for amounts exceeding $1,000. The aggregate value of alleged fraudulent transactions over multiple years and multiple locations likely exceeds $1,000,000 — placing this in the maximum felony category. MCL § 750.300a(2) further allows all transactions over a 12-month period to be aggregated and charged as a single offense.

MCL § 750.157a (Conspiracy) — The alleged coordination of this scheme across multiple locations by multiple persons (Youssef Ahmed Baraghith, Moustafa Mohamed A. Baraghith, Ahmed Mohamed Baraghith, and employees) constitutes a criminal conspiracy under Michigan law, with each conspirator being liable for the full aggregate conduct.

MCL § 750.218 (False Pretenses) — The alleged installation of a fake grocery display to fraudulently misrepresent the nature of the business to USDA for purposes of obtaining SNAP retailer authorization constitutes obtaining a benefit through false pretenses.

The alleged operators have reportedly accumulated substantial personal real estate assets — including fully paid-off properties valued in the millions — that are inconsistent with legitimate business income from fast food operations in underserved communities. These assets may represent proceeds of crime subject to civil and criminal forfeiture under Michigan law.

I respectfully request that your office: (1) open a formal criminal investigation; (2) coordinate with USDA OIG and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy; (3) pursue civil asset forfeiture proceedings against assets believed to represent proceeds of this fraud; and (4) seek the maximum available penalties to deter similar conduct by other businesses operating in Michigan.

Michigan taxpayers and vulnerable SNAP-dependent families deserve the full protection of the law. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter.

I am submitting this tip and formal complaint to the FBI Detroit Field Office to bring to your attention what I believe to be a long-running, multi-location federal program fraud operation in Wayne County, Michigan, potentially involving money laundering and organized criminal conspiracy.

The subject business is Manhattan Fish & Chicken Market (manhattanmarketfnc.com), a chain of fried food restaurants operating at: (1) 13224 Woodward Ave, Highland Park, MI 48203, and (2) 27231 W Seven Mile Rd, Redford, MI 48240. The alleged operators are Youssef Ahmed Baraghith, Moustafa Mohamed A. Baraghith, and Ahmed Mohamed Baraghith.

KEY EVIDENCE FROM THEIR OWN WEBSITE: The business website at www.manhattanmarketfnc.com publicly advertises "EBT ACCEPTED HERE" (Highland Park) and "EBT COMING SOON" (Redford). This is a direct public admission by the operators. The full menu consists exclusively of hot prepared fried foods. DoorDash delivery is offered at both locations, confirming restaurant classification.

Federal Crimes Potentially at Issue:

7 U.S.C. § 2024 — SNAP Trafficking: The restaurant is alleged to be accepting SNAP/EBT cards for hot prepared fried food — items explicitly ineligible under all SNAP regulations — and processing these transactions fraudulently through the point-of-sale system. This constitutes SNAP trafficking, a federal felony carrying up to 20 years imprisonment for amounts of $5,000 or more. Given the alleged multi-year, multi-location scale of this operation, the aggregate federal crime amount is believed to be in the millions of dollars.

18 U.S.C. § 1343 — Wire Fraud: The alleged fraudulent coding of EBT transactions for hot food as SNAP-eligible grocery purchases, transmitted electronically through the federal EBT system, constitutes wire fraud.

18 U.S.C. § 1956 — Money Laundering: The alleged proceeds of this multi-year fraud scheme are reported to have been laundered through real estate acquisitions and other assets by the operators. The accumulation of fully paid-off high-value real estate by the operators — disproportionate to legitimate business income — is consistent with money laundering of SNAP fraud proceeds.

18 U.S.C. § 371 — Conspiracy Against the United States: The coordination of this alleged scheme across multiple locations and involving multiple individuals (Youssef Ahmed Baraghith, Moustafa Mohamed A. Baraghith, Ahmed Mohamed Baraghith, and employees) constitutes conspiracy to defraud the United States government.

Notable Security Concerns: The establishment maintains bullet-proof glass and an armed individual — believed to be Youssef Ahmed Baraghith — was observed positioned behind the glass barrier. This level of security at a fast food establishment warrants attention from law enforcement.

I respectfully ask that the FBI Detroit Field Office review this complaint, open a preliminary investigation, and coordinate with the USDA OIG, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan for potential prosecution.

This tip may also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov. I am available to provide additional information.

I am writing to your office to formally request the initiation of criminal prosecution proceedings against the operators of Manhattan Fish & Chicken Market — a fried food restaurant chain operating within Wayne County — for alleged large-scale, long-running SNAP/EBT benefits fraud in violation of Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.300a and related statutes.

The subjects of this complaint are Youssef Ahmed Baraghith, Moustafa Mohamed A. Baraghith, and Ahmed Mohamed Baraghith, who are the alleged owners and operators of Manhattan Fish & Chicken Market, with locations including 13224 Woodward Ave, Highland Park, MI 48203, and 27231 W Seven Mile Rd, Redford, MI 48240 — all within Wayne County jurisdiction.

These individuals and their business are alleged to have conducted a systematic scheme to defraud the federal SNAP program by: accepting EBT/SNAP cards for hot fried food items (fried chicken, catfish, hot wings) that are categorically ineligible for SNAP purchase; fraudulently coding these transactions in the POS system as SNAP-eligible grocery purchases; maintaining a fraudulent "market" display to deceive federal regulators into authorizing and maintaining SNAP retailer status for what is in fact a hot food restaurant; and operating this scheme across multiple Wayne County locations over a period of several years.

Under MCL § 750.300a(1)(c), when the aggregate value of fraudulently processed SNAP access device transactions exceeds $1,000, the offense constitutes a felony punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. MCL § 750.300a(2) permits all transactions over a 12-month period to be charged as a single offense with aggregate valuation. Given multiple locations operating over multiple years, the aggregate fraud is likely in the millions of dollars.

The alleged perpetrators have reportedly accumulated substantial personal assets, including fully paid-off high-value real estate, which may represent criminal proceeds subject to forfeiture under Michigan's criminal forfeiture statutes.

I respectfully request that your office: (1) accept this complaint and open an investigation; (2) issue criminal charges upon sufficient evidence; (3) coordinate with Michigan MDHHS, the Michigan Attorney General, and federal agencies including USDA OIG and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan; and (4) pursue asset forfeiture against properties and assets believed to represent fraud proceeds.

Wayne County families who rely on SNAP deserve justice, and the integrity of Michigan's food assistance programs must be protected. Thank you for your service and attention.

I am submitting this referral to IRS Criminal Investigation to report suspected tax fraud, unreported income, and potential money laundering connected to an alleged large-scale SNAP/EBT benefits fraud scheme operating in Wayne County, Michigan.

The subjects are Youssef Ahmed Baraghith, Moustafa Mohamed A. Baraghith, and Ahmed Mohamed Baraghith, operators of Manhattan Fish & Chicken Market (manhattanmarketfnc.com), with locations at 13224 Woodward Ave, Highland Park, MI 48203, and 27231 W Seven Mile Rd, Redford, MI 48240.

Tax Fraud and Unreported Income Concerns:

This business is alleged to have operated a systematic SNAP/EBT fraud scheme for multiple years, accepting EBT cards for hot prepared food (fried chicken, catfish, hot wings) — items ineligible for SNAP purchase — and processing these transactions fraudulently. The proceeds from this alleged scheme are believed to be substantial — estimated in the millions of dollars over the duration of the alleged operation.

Because these EBT transactions were allegedly processed fraudulently (disguised as grocery purchases), there is significant concern that the proceeds were not accurately reported as taxable business income on the operators' federal and state tax returns. The discrepancy between reported legitimate income and the operators' apparent lifestyle and asset accumulation — including reportedly fully paid-off high-value real estate — is consistent with significant unreported income from fraudulent activities.

Potential Money Laundering: Under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, the alleged conversion of SNAP fraud proceeds into real estate and other assets constitutes money laundering. IRS-CI has jurisdiction to investigate both the underlying tax violations and the money laundering charges.

I respectfully request that IRS Criminal Investigation: (1) review the tax filings of Youssef Ahmed Baraghith, Moustafa Mohamed A. Baraghith, Ahmed Mohamed Baraghith, and all business entities associated with Manhattan Fish & Chicken Market; (2) investigate the source of funds used for real estate and other asset acquisitions; (3) coordinate with USDA OIG, FBI Detroit, and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan; and (4) pursue all applicable charges including tax evasion (26 U.S.C. § 7201), filing false returns (26 U.S.C. § 7206), and money laundering.

I also encourage this agency to accept a referral through IRS Form 3949-A (Information Referral) for tax fraud. I am available to provide additional detail to investigators upon request.

I am writing to file an urgent food safety complaint against Manhattan Fish & Chicken Market, located at 13224 Woodward Ave, Highland Park, Michigan 48203. This complaint is based on multiple documented public reports of serious food safety violations at this establishment that represent an immediate risk to public health.

The following food safety violations have been publicly reported by customers and are documented through public review platforms:

Critical Violation 1 — Undercooked Poultry / Blood in Chicken: At least one verified customer reported ordering a ten-piece chicken meal at this location and finding that the chicken was undercooked to the point that blood came out of the meat upon eating. Serving undercooked poultry is a critical food safety violation under the Michigan Food Law (MCL 289.2121) and MDARD food service regulations. Undercooked chicken presents a serious Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Clostridium contamination risk to consumers.

Critical Violation 2 — Foreign Object in Food (Live/Dead Insect in Fried Batter): A customer documented finding a bug that had been fried into the batter of their chicken order. The presence of insects in fried batter strongly indicates an active pest infestation in the food preparation area — a critical public health violation requiring immediate inspection under Michigan Food Law and the Michigan Food Service Establishment sanitation standards.

Violation 3 — Consistently Overcooked / Refried Food: Multiple customers report receiving burnt, overcooked, and refried food — including chicken that is described as "refried, not fresh." This practice suggests the restaurant is reselling previously cooked food that has been held beyond safe temperature holding times or is being reheated in violation of safe food handling protocols.

Violation 4 — Hostile Response to Food Safety Concerns: Customers who called to report food quality and safety issues were met with hostility, argument, and being hung up on. Staff members and management have reportedly told customers not to order if they have concerns. This attitude toward food safety feedback suggests a systemic culture of indifference toward health and safety obligations.

I respectfully request that MDARD Food Safety Division: (1) conduct an unannounced inspection of this establishment at the earliest possible date; (2) review the establishment's food safety records, temperature logs, pest control records, and staff training documentation; (3) issue all appropriate notices of violation and corrective action requirements; and (4) take the required regulatory action up to and including license suspension if critical violations are confirmed.

Given the pattern of critical complaints and the seriousness of the violations described, I urge this matter be treated as a priority inspection.

I respectfully submit this referral to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan requesting federal prosecution of Youssef Ahmed Baraghith, Moustafa Mohamed A. Baraghith, and Ahmed Mohamed Baraghith for alleged large-scale SNAP benefits trafficking, wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to defraud the United States.

The subjects operate Manhattan Fish & Chicken Market — a chain of hot food restaurants located in Highland Park, Detroit, and Dearborn, Michigan (primary location: 13224 Woodward Ave, Highland Park, MI 48203; website: manhattanmarketfnc.com). For an alleged period of several years and across multiple locations, they are believed to have operated a systematic scheme to defraud the SNAP program of the United States Department of Agriculture, generating millions of dollars in fraudulent SNAP redemptions.

Summary of Federal Crimes:

7 U.S.C. § 2024 (SNAP Trafficking): The acceptance of SNAP/EBT benefits for hot prepared food at a restaurant in a non-RMP state, with deliberate fraudulent POS coding to conceal the ineligible transactions, constitutes SNAP trafficking under the Food and Nutrition Act. The maximum penalty for trafficking involving $5,000 or more is 20 years federal imprisonment.

18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Wire Fraud): Each fraudulent EBT transaction transmitted electronically through the federal SNAP EBT system constitutes a separate act of wire fraud. Given the alleged volume of transactions across multiple locations over multiple years, there may be thousands of predicate wire fraud acts.

18 U.S.C. § 1956 (Money Laundering): The alleged conversion of SNAP fraud proceeds into real estate and other assets constitutes money laundering. The subjects are reported to have accumulated fully paid-off high-value properties and other assets inconsistent with legitimate fast food business income.

18 U.S.C. § 371 (Conspiracy): The coordination of this alleged scheme across multiple business locations involving multiple individuals constitutes conspiracy to defraud the United States.

This case presents an excellent opportunity for federal prosecution given: the multi-year, multi-location scale; the clear documented evidence of staff soliciting EBT for hot food; the fraudulent market display scheme; the alleged asset accumulation; and the presence of armed security, which suggests consciousness of criminal activity. The USDA OIG has also been contacted and is expected to conduct a parallel investigation.

I respectfully request that this office accept this referral, coordinate with USDA OIG and FBI Detroit, convene a federal grand jury, and pursue the full weight of federal prosecution including criminal forfeiture of all assets believed to represent proceeds of this scheme.

I am writing to formally report an alleged organized, multi-location welfare fraud scheme to the Michigan State Police for investigation and referral to the appropriate prosecutorial authorities.

The alleged scheme involves Manhattan Fish & Chicken Market, a fried food restaurant chain operating in Highland Park, Detroit, and Dearborn, Michigan. The primary location is at 13224 Woodward Ave, Highland Park, MI 48203. The alleged operators and subjects of this complaint are Youssef Ahmed Baraghith, Moustafa Mohamed A. Baraghith, and Ahmed Mohamed Baraghith.

This business is a hot food fast food restaurant. Despite this, the operators are alleged to have systematically accepted EBT/SNAP cards from customers for payment of hot fried food orders — items that are explicitly ineligible for SNAP purchase under both federal law and Michigan law — and have fraudulently processed these transactions to disguise the ineligible purchases.

This conduct constitutes a violation of Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.300a (the food stamp fraud provision of the Michigan Penal Code). For aggregate fraud exceeding $1,000, this is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in state prison and a $250,000 fine. Given the alleged multi-year, multi-location operation, the aggregate value is believed to be in the millions of dollars.

Of particular concern to law enforcement is the following: An armed individual — believed to be Youssef Ahmed Baraghith — has been observed stationed behind bullet-proof glass at the Highland Park location. This presence of a firearm in what appears to be a guard position at a food establishment is highly atypical and may implicate additional Michigan firearms and weapons statutes. The level of armed security at this location appears designed to protect a valuable illicit operation rather than serve a legitimate security purpose.

I respectfully request that the Michigan State Police: (1) open an investigation under MCL § 750.300a; (2) investigate the firearms situation at the Highland Park location; (3) coordinate with MDHHS Fraud, the Michigan AG, and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy; and (4) refer this matter for criminal prosecution.

I am willing to cooperate with investigators and can be reached at the contact information listed above. Thank you for your service to the people of Michigan.