BEMIDJI, Minn. -Mikhail Wicker, a 37-year-old resident of Dilworth, Minnesota, is facing charges of wire fraud, false military discharge certificate, fraudulent use of military medals, and theft of government funds. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota, Wicker is accused of defrauding the United States Department of Veterans Affairs by falsely claiming to be a decorated veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Court documents allege that between 2015 and 2020, Wicker obtained benefits by claiming he was a decorated veteran who had suffered combat-related injuries and had been a prisoner of war during deployment in Iraq in 2005. He also claimed to suffer from PTSD and other injuries from an improvised explosive device attack during his supposed service in Iraq. Wicker is accused of submitting forged and falsified documents, including a Purple Heart certificate, to support his claims.
Despite never having served in the military, Wicker allegedly received over $100,000 in veterans’ benefits. He made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court on April 3, 2024. The investigation into this case was conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, and the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Dilworth Police Department.