Washington. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) froze the state of Minnesota’s federal child care funds (child care payments), citing allegations of viral fraud. “There is widespread blatant fraud taking place in Minnesota and across the country,” HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill wrote in a statement announcing the move Tuesday.

We have stopped payment of money. Fraud is being detected.” According to the CBS News report, O’Neill cited the video while sharing this information. In it, conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley alleged that about a dozen day care centers in Minnesota that received funds were not actually providing services, he said.

O’Neill said the agency has identified the centers mentioned in the video. Their comprehensive details have been sought from the state. According to state records, all but two day care centers are accredited. “The governor has been fighting fraud for years, while the President has been letting fraudsters out of jail,” a spokesperson for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said in a statement.

Fraud is a serious issue. But this issue should not be politicized. This will hurt the people of Minnesota. Funding of government programs that help people should not be cut off.” O’Neill said that now all payments made across the country will require an affidavit, a receipt and a photo before sending the money to any state.

In a video shared by HHS, agency head Alex Adams said the Administration for Children and Families annually sends about $185 million (Rs 1,661.22 crore) in child care funds to Minnesota. It serves approximately 23,000 children from low-income families.