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Informational only. Always verify at FinCEN.gov before making compliance decisions. Last refreshed: 2026-10-14.

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Active
banking
money services businessesRenewal #1

Geographic Targeting Order - Minnesota Government Benefits Fraud (Renewed August 2026) - ACTIVE

“Hennepin County and Ramsey County, Minnesota”

Threshold

$3,000

Effective

February 12, 2026

Expires

February 10, 2027

Geography

county

Renewed72 days ago

FinCEN extended this GTO on August 11, 2026. New expiration: February 10, 2027.

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Order Summary

This ACTIVE GTO (February 12, 2026 - February 6, 2027, renewed August 11, 2026; 91 FR 51588) requires banks, credit unions, and money transmitters with a physical presence in Hennepin County (Minneapolis) and Ramsey County (St. Paul) to report outbound international funds transfers of $3,000 or more. It targets government benefits fraud - specifically child nutrition program funds being laundered internationally. FinCEN renewed the order on August 11, 2026 to continue combating fraud schemes that have cost Minnesota potentially billions of dollars, with a portion laundered overseas. Secretary Bessent described this as the "genesis for a national rollout" to combat federal program fraud.

Geographic Coverage

2 areas shown
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors © CARTO
Hennepin County
Ramsey County

Formal Geographic Text (from order)

“Hennepin County and Ramsey County, Minnesota”

Hennepin County (FIPS: 27053, includes Minneapolis) and Ramsey County (FIPS: 27123, includes St. Paul). Covers financial institutions with a physical presence (branch, subsidiary, or office) in these counties.

Reporting Requirements

Who Must Report

Banks, credit unions, depository institutions, and money transmitters with a physical presence (branch, subsidiary, or office) in Hennepin or Ramsey County

What Must Be Reported

Report outbound international funds transfers of $3,000 or more where the beneficiary is outside the U.S.; file by end of month following the transaction month (e.g., March transactions due April 30, 2026). Note: Exemptive relief issued Feb 27, 2026 refines scope for certain bank reporting.

Threshold

$3,000

All-cash transactions at or above

Source Agency

FinCEN

FinCEN news release | Federal Register

Change Log

IssuedJanuary 9, 2026

GTO announced by Secretary Bessent as part of Minnesota fraud initiative. Targets government benefits fraud and international money laundering.

IssuedFebruary 12, 2026

GTO became effective.

ModifiedFebruary 27, 2026

Exemptive Relief Order issued to refine reporting scope for certain financial institutions.

RenewedAugust 11, 2026

FinCEN renewed the Minnesota GTO through February 6, 2027 (91 FR 51588) to continue combating government benefits fraud and recovering taxpayer dollars sent abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this specific GTO, with answers grounded in the official order text.

These answers are for informational purposes only and are grounded in the official FinCEN order text. They do not constitute legal advice.

Analyst Notes

CURRENTLY ACTIVE through February 6, 2027 (renewed August 11, 2026; 91 FR 51588). First GTO targeting government benefits fraud (not drug trafficking or real estate). Secretary Bessent stated this is the "genesis for a national rollout." Exemptive Relief Order (Feb 27, 2026) modified reporting scope for banks. Related FinCEN Alert: FIN-2026-Alert001 on Federal Child Nutrition Program fraud rings.

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