business
Prosecutors grill Chad Banken for hours about alleged predatory home sales, discriminatory practices
By Mohamed Ibrahim at Sahan Journal
· June 15, 2026
· 6 min read
Minnesota real estate broker Chad Banken spoke publicly for the first time Monday about allegations that he inflated prices and used deceptive practices to sell homes.
Prosecutors with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office questioned Banken about his business practices for approximately four...
Key takeaway Abdinoor Igal testified last week that he bought a $727,000 home in Lakeville from Banken in 2022.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The trial of Chad Banken has significant implications for the Minneapolis community, particularly for Muslim homebuyers who may have been targeted by his alleged predatory practices. The use of contract for deed, an alternative to conventional mortgages, has been popular among Muslim families in the area who seek to avoid interest payments in accordance with Islamic practices. However, as the trial highlights, this option can also leave buyers vulnerable to exploitation. The fact that Banken has sold 160 homes using this method raises concerns about the potential scope of the problem. As the trial continues, it will be important to watch how the court navigates the intersection of consumer protection laws and the needs of Muslim homebuyers in the Twin Cities area. The outcome of the case could have a lasting impact on the local real estate market and the protections in place for homebuyers.
About this story
Original reporting by Sahan Journal . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Sahan Journal . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: June 15, 2026 ·
Source: Sahan Journal ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Minnesota real estate broker Chad Banken spoke publicly for the first time Monday about allegations that he inflated prices and used deceptive practices to sell homes.
Prosecutors with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office questioned Banken about his business practices for approximately four...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 15, 2026 by Sahan Journal and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mohamed Ibrahim at Sahan Journal. To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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