Ex-Campaign Associate of Rep. Ilhan Omar Pleads Guilty in Pandemic Food Fraud Scheme
A former campaign associate of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) has pleaded guilty in federal court to his role in a multi-million-dollar food fraud conspiracy, widening the spotlight on Minnesota’s already sprawling Feeding Our Future scandal.
The Guilty Plea
Federal prosecutors announced that Guhaad Hashi Said, 49 — once described by Alpha News as an “enforcer” for Omar’s campaign — admitted guilt to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The charges stem from a scheme that exploited federally funded child nutrition programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson called the conviction of the 52nd defendant in the case “a reminder of the vast reach of this fraud … the scale of the fraud in Minnesota is staggering.”
How the Scheme Worked
According to court filings:
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Said’s nonprofit, Advance Youth Athletic Development, was incorporated in February 2021 at a Minneapolis apartment complex.
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Starting in March, he claimed to be serving 5,000 meals a day — more than 1 million meals by year’s end.
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In reality, only a fraction were provided. Prosecutors say he falsified rosters, invoices, and meal counts.
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The operation drew in roughly $2.9 million in federal funds. Over $2.1 million was funneled through a catering business, while other proceeds went toward real estate, cars, and personal purchases.
Said now faces up to 25 years in federal prison.
Political Ripples
While Omar herself has not been implicated in the Feeding Our Future scandal, the guilty plea draws renewed attention to controversies around her political orbit.
Past episodes include:
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A 2019 ruling by the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board ordering Omar to reimburse improperly used campaign funds.
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Calls this year by House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) for an ethics investigation after Omar’s Somali-language remarks about protecting Somalia’s sea access drew criticism as “anti-American.” Omar disputes that translation and maintains her comments were misrepresented.
Omar’s critics argue the fraud case underscores questions about figures close to her. Supporters emphasize she has not been charged and warn against guilt by association.
Broader Lessons
The Feeding Our Future scandal has exposed deep vulnerabilities in emergency relief programs — designed to feed children in need, but exploited through falsified paperwork and shell nonprofits. Each new conviction sharpens public pressure for stricter oversight and more transparent use of taxpayer funds.
Beyond politics, the case is a sobering reminder: when programs meant to protect the vulnerable are abused, the harm extends far beyond dollars lost. Trust, once broken, is harder to restore.