Omar allies implicated in large-scale Minnesota COVID meal fraud scheme targeting Somali community

Members of Rep. Ilhan Omar's close circle were reportedly involved in a significant welfare fraud scandal in Minnesota, centered around a $1 billion scheme that has placed the Somali community in her district under intense scrutiny. According to the New York Post, Omar had personal ties to individuals connected to the fraud, including hosting events at one of the implicated restaurants, knowing one of its convicted owners, and employing a staff member who was also convicted. Omar's legislative actions led to the introduction of a bill that facilitated the fraud, which resulted in the theft of $250 million from federal child-nutrition programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal Investigation into Minnesota's Somali Fraud Network

The fraud, which saw Minnesota distribute approximately $250 million in federal funds meant for providing meals to children during the pandemic, was allegedly orchestrated by Salim Ahmed Said, co-owner of the Safari Restaurant. This restaurant hosted Omar's 2018 congressional victory party. Said was convicted in March for his role in the fraud, with prosecutors revealing that the stolen funds were used to support a lavish lifestyle, including the purchase of a $2 million mansion in Minneapolis and a $9,000-a-month shopping spree at Nordstrom.

Legislative Backdrop

The free meals, which were made possible by the 2020 MEALS Act introduced by Omar, were supposed to provide for children during the pandemic. The bill passed with bipartisan support. Much of the misappropriated funding was channeled through the now-defunct nonprofit organization, Feeding Our Future, as reported by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Omar had even participated in a promotional video for the program. Though she has not been directly linked to the fraud, the scale of the scam has raised serious questions about oversight and accountability.

Government Reactions and Investigations

The FBI raided Feeding Our Futures offices in January 2022, following accusations that the organization and its partners were responsible for a vast scheme to defraud the federal government. The funds, which were intended to help feed children, were instead funneled to luxury real estate, vehicles, and other extravagant purchases. Omar has stated that the fraud was a result of poor oversight and rushed implementation of COVID-related programs, but emphasized that those responsible should be held accountable.

Omar's Response to the Scandal

During a CNN interview, Omar explained that the rapid deployment of COVID programs created vulnerabilities in their execution. These programs were set up so quickly that many of the safeguards werent in place, she said, acknowledging that third-party organizations were trusted to facilitate the distribution of funds. However, she condemned the fraud as abhorrent and unacceptable.

Political Ramifications

In August, Guhaad Hashi Said, a former Omar campaign official, pleaded guilty to running a fake food program. The scheme, named Advance Youth Athletic Development, claimed to provide meals to 5,000 children daily, but instead funneled millions of dollars for personal gain. Said, who had worked as a campaign enforcer for Omar, was directly linked to the scheme. By November, 78 individuals had been charged in what is now considered one of the largest pandemic relief fraud schemes in U.S. history.

Ongoing Investigations

The Small Business Administration has initiated an investigation into a network of Somali organizations in Minnesota believed to be involved in the scandal. A House Oversight Committee is also probing the role of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in the case. Additionally, former President Donald Trump has criticized Omar, claiming that her actions and her connections to the fraud scheme have harmed the Somali community and Minnesota as a whole.

Trump has also made incendiary remarks about Omar, calling for her removal from Congress, alleging that her actions are harmful to the interests of the United States. His statements reflect growing frustration over the scope of the fraud and the lack of accountability from local and federal authorities.

Author: Jackson Miller