Florida investigators say Anwar Jouda, 51, used a legitimate Miami grocery store’s identity to divert $862,394.95 in federal SNAP payments into accounts he controlled.
Florida’s Department of Financial Services announced his arrest on Oct. 29, 2026.
Investigators allege that fraudulent merchant applications and falsified banking information enabled the scheme.
They also traced part of the money to wire transfers sent to Ramallah in the West Bank.
Miami Grocery Store’s Identity Allegedly Used Without Its Owner’s Consent
CBS Miami reported, citing court documents, that Jouda and a co-defendant allegedly used the identity of a Miami-based Kwik Stop food store in transactions spanning 2021 through 2023. The Florida Department of Financial Services said the SNAP-authorized business and an individual victim had their identifying information used without their knowledge or consent.
Fraudulent Merchant Applications Redirected $862,394.95 in SNAP Deposits
Florida investigators said the alleged scheme used fraudulent merchant applications, forged documents, falsified banking information and deceptive communications to establish merchant accounts. The department calculated that $862,394.95 in SNAP deposits went to Jouda’s personal and business accounts.
The federal SNAP Retailer Service Center explains that stores seeking authorization must provide business licensing records and identification for owners or officers. A retailer cannot accept SNAP benefits until it has been authorized under its own ownership.
Investigators Traced Some Proceeds to the West Bank
CBS Miami reported that some of the money was transferred to an individual in the West Bank. The Florida Department of Financial Services said it was sharing information about the transfers with federal law enforcement partners.
Four Felony Counts and an $80,000 Bond Followed the Arrest
Jouda was arrested in St. Lucie County, although investigators said the alleged fraud occurred in Miami-Dade. Florida officials announced charges of grand theft, organized scheme to defraud and criminal use of personal identification information.
CBS Miami reported that Jouda faced four felony counts and that his total bond was set at $80,000. The station said any funds used to secure his release would have to come from a legitimate source.
How SNAP Retailers Can Check Suspicious Account Requests
Retailers can compare their merchant settlement deposits and banking instructions with the details held by their payment processor and financial institution. Any unfamiliar account or unauthorized change should be reported promptly to those institutions, with copies of applications, messages and transaction records preserved.
A 2015 USDA SNAP scam alert warned retailers about unsolicited callers offering to accelerate SNAP authorization for a fee. The agency said retailer applications are free and advised stores to verify requests through the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369.
Florida’s Division of Public Assistance Fraud accepts fraud reports through its hotline at 866-762-2237.