If guilty, Ali Ratib Daham and Abdul Kareem Daham face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Two brothers from Westbrook, Maine, are facing federal charges for operating massive welfare fraud at a grocery market.

Acting U.S. attorney Richard Murphy said Tuesday that 40-year-old Ali Ratib Daham and 21-year-old Abdulkareem Daham have been charged with conspiracy to defraud and to commit offenses against the United States.

Federal agents raided Ahram Halal Market last year after being tipped off of unusually high sales at the market coming from food stamps.

The indictment alleges that from June 2011 through April 2016 the two brothers allowed customers to exchange food assistance benefits for cash at a discounted rate.

The Associated Press could not find phone numbers for the brothers on Tuesday. Both men face up to five years in prison if convicted.


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