US House Republicans have called for an investigation into the business dealings of Representative Ilhan Omar's husband, Timothy Mynett, in Dubai, Kenya, and Somalia. The probe aims to examine a sharp increase in the family's net worth. Reports indicate Mynett's assets rose from virtually nothing to as much as $30 million.
On February 15, 2026, James Comer, Chair of the US House Oversight Committee, announced a call for investigation into Timothy Mynett's international business activities. Ilhan Omar, a Somalia-born representative for Minnesota's 5th congressional district since 2019, has been linked to this net worth surge. Comer stated that Mynett must provide records of his international trips, communications, and financial documents related to two companies operating in Dubai, Kenya, and Somalia.
"He should turn over all documents and communications by anyone affiliated with the companies related to travel to the United Arab Emirates, Somalia, or Kenya, or travel undertaken to solicit business connected to those countries," Comer said.
He further added: "She needs to explain to the American people how her net worth went from zero to $10 million in one year, and explain why the Biden Department of Justice was investigating her husband’s financial activities over the course of that year, where her net worth ballooned up."
Reports from the New York Post suggest the House Ethics Committee should handle the probe to assess if Omar's family violated ethical rules. This follows two months after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) intensified efforts to dismantle money laundering operations from Minnesota to countries including Kenya.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated: "The FBI is aware of recent social media reports in Minnesota. However, even before the public conversation escalated online, the FBI had surged personnel and investigative resources to Minnesota to dismantle large-scale fraud schemes exploiting federal programs. Fraud that steals from taxpayers and robs vulnerable children will remain a top FBI priority in Minnesota and nationwide."
The FBI probe uncovered sham vendors, shell companies, and large-scale money laundering, leading to 78 indictments and 57 convictions. It also revealed an attempt to bribe a juror with over Ksh15 million (USD120,000) by one of the investigated individuals. Omar has criticized the Donald Trump administration for increased fraud and immigration crackdowns in Minnesota, home to many Somali-Americans.
