Westfield man charged in alleged Red Bull SNAP scam at Chicopee smoke shop

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A 47-year-old Westfield man named Mohamed Yahiya, an employee of Adham's Smoke Shop in Chicopee, Massachusetts, has been charged with multiple counts related to an alleged scheme involving fraudulent SNAP and EBT transactions. Authorities say Yahiya directed individuals to use their SNAP or EBT benefits to purchase large quantities of Red Bull, which he would then buy back from them for cash at a reduced price.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of SNAP and EBT benefit fraud, which can undermine the integrity of these important social safety net programs. It also raises concerns about the oversight and regulation of small businesses that accept these government benefits.

The details

According to police, an undercover investigator with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Special Investigations Unit purchased $1,731.34 worth of Red Bull from Yahiya and received $1,046 in cash. Yahiya also allegedly offered a $50 referral fee to bring in additional participants for the scheme. During a separate interaction, the investigator used an EBT card to purchase food and cigarettes, with the cigarettes sold at a discounted rate and not properly stamped with Massachusetts tax markings. A search of the smoke shop uncovered marked cases of Red Bull, a box of single rolled marijuana cigarettes, and unstamped cigarettes from other states.

• Over several weeks, an undercover investigator participated in the alleged scheme.
• On March 18, the investigator returned to the smoke shop and used an EBT card to purchase food and cigarettes.
• On Friday, police executed a search warrant at the smoke shop.

What’s next

Yahiya is scheduled to appear in court for his arraignment on the charges. Authorities will likely continue to investigate the scope of the alleged fraud scheme and whether any other individuals or businesses were involved.