SAIPAN – The CNMI Division of Nutrition Assistance Program is reminding recipients and authorized retailers that trafficking, selling or exchanging NAP EBT benefits for cash or unauthorized items is prohibited and may result in disqualification, repayment, fines and criminal prosecution.
NAP, which operates under the CNMI Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, said in a public notice that it has received reports and calls about individuals allegedly exchanging cash, store credits or other unauthorized items of value for NAP EBT benefits.
NAP benefits are intended solely for the purchase of eligible food items and may not be sold, traded, exchanged, converted into cash or used for store credit arrangements under any circumstances, the agency said.
Individuals found intentionally trafficking, selling, exchanging or misusing NAP benefits may face immediate disqualification from the program; temporary or permanent loss of eligibility; repayment of improperly used benefits; administrative penalties and fines; and criminal investigation and prosecution.
Authorized retailers and stores participating in trafficking, cash exchanges, unauthorized store credits, overcharging or other prohibited transactions may face administrative sanctions; suspension from NAP; permanent disqualification from accepting NAP EBT transactions; repayment and recovery of improperly redeemed benefits; civil money penalties and fines; and criminal prosecution.
Program integrity violations are investigated in accordance with CNMI Administrative Code Title 55-30 and applicable federal regulations, the agency said.
“Violations involving EBT trafficking and fraudulent activity will not be tolerated,” the notice said.
Community members can report suspected fraud, trafficking or misuse of benefits to the NAP Office Management Evaluation Unit at 670-237-2800, extensions 108, 109, 111, 112, 113 or 114.
