Minnesota Man Sentenced to 30 Years for COVID-19 Food Fraud Scheme

Salim Said, owner of Safari Restaurant in Minneapolis, was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Wednesday for his role in a massive food fraud scheme that exploited a federal program designed to feed children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Said was found responsible for $44 million in fraudulent claims, part of a wider network that misled the government about providing meals to needy children.

Details of the Fraud Scheme

The sentencing followed a conviction in 2025 where prosecutors revealed Said vastly overstated the number of meals served. He claimed a “ridiculous daily distribution of 6,000 meals,” but FBI surveillance showed only about 40 people collected food daily. Said’s fraudulent reimbursement claims spanned 21 consecutive months, with each submission falsely representing meals provided to underprivileged children who did not exist.

Prosecutors stated, “The defendant and his sites did not serve thousands of children; he served a calculated, lucrative lie.” Said, a Somali native, originally denied the allegations during his trial, claiming many meals were delivered off-site. However, at his sentencing, he expressed remorse for his actions.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel condemned Said’s actions, telling him, “You took more than taxpayers’ dollars to enrich yourself. You took the reputation of our state down with you.” Said’s defense attorney, Barry Zone, had requested a 12-year sentence and disputed the government’s characterization of Said as the “architect” of the scheme.

The court also heard that Said used the illicit funds to purchase a $1.2 million home, commercial real estate, and an $87,000 pickup truck. His conviction was part of a larger crackdown involving dozens of individuals connected to the scheme.

Broader Impact and Related Convictions

The fraud case drew national attention, with President Donald Trump criticizing Minnesota’s Democratic governor for failing to stop the theft and citing it as justification for immigration crackdowns in major cities. Said’s conviction is linked to the Feeding Our Future nonprofit led by Aimee Bock, who orchestrated the overall fraud plan. Bock is serving a 42-year prison sentence and ordered to repay $242 million.

State auditors reported that the Minnesota Department of Education received multiple complaints about Feeding Our Future but frequently instructed the group to police itself. Meanwhile, Governor Tim Walz announced in January 2023 that he would not seek reelection amid mounting criticism over the scandal.

Changes in Federal Food Programs During the Pandemic

The pandemic prompted temporary modifications to federal child nutrition programs, allowing restaurants like Safari Restaurant to participate in feeding efforts that were traditionally school-based. These changes expanded distribution to non-school locations, which the fraudsters exploited by submitting fabricated claims.

Prosecutors highlighted the continuous nature of the fraud, stating, “For 21 consecutive months, Said made thousands of fraudulent reimbursement claims, day after day, month after month.” This systematic deception drained federal resources intended for vulnerable children.

Salim Said’s sentencing marks a significant milestone in addressing pandemic-related fraud schemes and underscores ongoing efforts to safeguard federal aid programs.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilant oversight of government programs to prevent exploitation and protect taxpayer dollars.