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FBI Raids Rockland County Yeshivas, Offices As Part Of Fraud Investigation

RAMAPO, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Federal authorities raided private Jewish schools and businesses in Rockland County to see if millions of federal dollars earmarked for education technology were misused.

FBI agents conducted 22 separate search warrants at yeshivas and offices in the town of Ramapo on Wednesday afternoon, the Journal News reported. Agents were seen going in and out of a private business in Monsey, removing computer hard drives and documents.

The investigators asked them to provide records of equipment allegedly bought through the federal government's E-Rate program, which pays for technology in schools, the newspaper reported.

Some have questioned why the religious schools need computers because students are often not allowed to use the technology, WCBS 880's Peter Haskell reported.

Authorities said that more than 300 agents and officers were involved in the operation.

The office of U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said in a statement that the searches were part of an ongoing fraud investigation.

There have been no arrests so far.

The Rockland County District Attorney's public corruption task force is also involved in the investigation.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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