State Auditor Diana DiZoglio says her office identified nearly $12 million in public benefit fraud during fiscal year 2025, drawing sharp criticism from Republican candidates for governor of Massachusett.

DiZoglio recently released the Bureau of Special Investigations’ annual report for fiscal year 2025. The bureau investigates fraud, abuse, and illegal activity involving state public assistance programs across Massachusetts, including MassHealth, benefits administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance, and programs overseen by the Department of Early Education and Care.

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, the Bureau of Special Investigations identified $11,952,288 in public assistance fraud. Investigators completed 4,179 fraud investigations during that period.m, according to the report.

The bureau’s Fraud Investigations Unit identified the largest amount of fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (also known as SNAP), totaling more than $4.1 million in fiscal year 2025. Investigators also identified more than $1.3 million in fraud involving MassHealth.

Fraud examiners completed 22 civil recoveries during the fiscal year, totaling nearly $800,000 in fraudulent overpayments. The report also highlighted individual cases, including a Hyannis woman who pleaded guilty to more than $140,000 in welfare fraud and a Gloucester woman who admitted to more than $20,000 in welfare fraud.

“For countless residents across the Commonwealth, these programs offer access to everyday items they need, including food and medical services,” DiZoglio said in a press release. “Through the work of our fraud examiners, we continue to help ensure they operate with transparency, accountability, and equity. Our team will continue to work to ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively and that resources are available to those who truly need and qualify for them.”

Following the report’s release, former Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority chief administrator and Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Shortsleeve blamed the Healey administration for what he described as widespread fraud and a lack of transparency.

“The outrageous bilking of taxpayers thanks to Maura Healey’s mismanagement is a scandal,” Shortsleeve said in a press release. “Identifying and rooting out rampant fraud and abuse in our welfare programs is exactly why the federal government is asking for SNAP data, but Healey refuses to turn it over because she does not want the public to know the full extent of her incompetence.”

Meanwhile, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Kennealy, who served as the Secretary of Housing and Economic Development in the Baker administration, also blamed Healey for the fraud.

“Governor Healey’s lack of oversight over our tax dollars is completely out of control," Kennealy posted on X (Twitter). "Auditor DiZoglio uncovered $12 million in public benefits fraud. It’s time for a complete and comprehensive overview of where our money is going. It’s time we have someone in the Corner Office who respects our hard-earned tax dollars.”

Also, businessman and GOP gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue said a "failure of leadership" enabled this fraud.

“The Auditor confirmed what Bay Staters already know: when transparency is blocked, waste and abuse thrive," Minogue posted on X (Twitter). “Nearly $12M in public benefit fraud is a failure of leadership. 72% of voters demanded an independent audit. As governor, I’ll complete the audit and restore accountability in Massachusetts."

The auditor’s office encourages residents to report suspected public benefit fraud through its hotline or online reporting system.

Healey's office could not be reached for comment this past weekend.