FLINT, MI -- Federal authorities in Flint have raided two businesses after they claim they were part of food stamp fraud schemes that cost the government millions of dollars.
Criminal complaints were filed in Flint U.S. District Court over allegations of fraud at Shorthorn Meats on the city's north side and the Downtown Food Store inside the Mass Transportation Authority station in downtown Flint.
Authorities claim that together, the alleged schemes exceeded $6.2 million.
Federal authorities claim the suspects would purchase food stamp benefits from undercover officers and confidential informants sent into the store as part of the investigation.
The undercover officers and informants would typically receive cash in the amount of roughly half the original transaction value, according to court records.
Despite the raids, the USDA claims rates of illegal trafficking of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits fell to roughly one cent on the dollar in 2006-2008.
Here's a look at other recent food stamp fraud cases around Michigan:
Hamtramck fraud
Federal authorities announced Sept. 23 that they arrested 11 store owners in Hamtramck after they claim they were allegedly responsible for $12.5 million in fraud.
The retailers allegedly issued cash to food stamp beneficiaries in exchange for their benefits.
Prison for Detroit-area fraud
Fatima and Wasfi Shalhout of Dearborn were sentenced to prison in May 2009 after authorities claim they defrauded the government out of $1.2 million in food stamp benefits.
The couple owned Ann's Market in Detroit where they would purchase benefits in exchange for cash.
They pleaded guilty to conspiracy and money laundering. Fatima Shalhout was sentenced to two years, six months in prison. Her husband was sentenced to three years.
Detroit food stamp fraud
Three people pleaded guilty in October 2009 after federal prosecutors claimed they received more than $900,000 in food stamp credits for less than half their value at the Express Lane Party Store in Detroit.
Dicra Zia and Latif Barash were each sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to food stamp fraud. Barash's wife, Montha Barash, pleaded guilty to theft of government funds under $1,000 and was sentenced to federal probation.
Grand Rapids fraud
Ahmed Sheikh Mohamed was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2012 for defrauding multiple welfare benefit programs out of $659,000.
Prosecutors claimed Mohamed obtained $60,000 annually in food stamp fraud through his business, Rayan Phone Card and Grocery.
Authorities claim he also received fraudulent benefits from housing vouchers, Pell grants and tax refunds.
Flint fraud
Akhir McFarland and Noha T. Fofana were convicted in 2012 of more than $600,000 in food stamp fraud at the west Flint Mandingo African Market.
The two agreed to pay customers, including undercover law enforcement agents, roughly 50 cents for each $1 charged against their cards.