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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has canceled $1.7 million in contracts with Nonprofit Empowerment Group, co-founded by Tariq H. Cheema, a board member of an organization linked to the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Army awarded the group contracts for leadership training services under the 8(a) affirmative action contracting program for disadvantaged women-owned businesses. The company, which was actually a for-profit entity, faced criticism for its qualifications and the necessity of its services.

A Pentagon official described the contracts as 'absurd' and stated they undermined the Army's mission. The cancellation reflects ongoing scrutiny of minority contracting practices and concerns over fraud.