Ex-Campaign Aide to Rep. Ilhan Omar Pleads Guilty in Massive COVID-Era Food Fraud Case

A former campaign associate of Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has admitted guilt in a sweeping fraud case that misused millions in pandemic relief funds intended to feed children during the COVID-19 crisis. The development has renewed attention on controversies connected to the Minnesota lawmaker’s political circle.

Guhaad Hashi Said, 49, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Prosecutors allege that Said, who once worked closely with Omar during her political campaigns, played a central role in a multimillion-dollar scheme targeting the Federal Child Nutrition Program.

According to court documents, Said falsely claimed that his nonprofit, Advance Youth Athletic Development, was providing thousands of meals daily to low-income children in Minnesota. His organization, incorporated in early 2021 and registered to a residential apartment in Minneapolis, reported serving as many as 5,000 meals per day starting in March of that year. In total, he claimed to have distributed more than 1 million meals by the end of 2021.

However, investigators say the operation was largely fabricated. Prosecutors found that attendance rosters, meal counts, and vendor invoices were faked to secure reimbursements from federal programs. Over a span of roughly ten months, Said’s nonprofit received approximately $2.9 million in federal funds. Of that, more than $2.1 million was funneled into a catering business, supposedly for food procurement — though officials say much of the money was used for personal enrichment.

The funds were allegedly laundered through a network of shell companies and nonprofits, and used to purchase real estate, vehicles, and luxury items. Said now faces up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced.

“This is yet another chapter in the wide-reaching Feeding Our Future case,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “The level of deception and misuse of taxpayer money is staggering. These funds were intended to support children in need, but were instead funneled into schemes for personal gain.”

Said’s conviction marks the 52nd in the ongoing investigation into the Feeding Our Future scandal, one of the largest COVID-era fraud probes in the country. The case has drawn increasing scrutiny as more individuals tied to prominent figures in Minnesota politics are implicated.

While Rep. Ilhan Omar herself has not been accused of any wrongdoing in the case, Said’s previous association with her campaign has reignited discussions about the congresswoman’s past controversies and connections.

In 2019, Omar was ordered to reimburse over $3,400 by the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board for using state campaign funds on personal expenses. The board cited violations of financial reporting and campaign law during her time as a state legislator.

More recently, Omar has faced calls for an ethics investigation from Republican leaders, including House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), following the release of a controversial video in which she spoke in Somali. According to a widely circulated translation, Omar appeared to prioritize the interests of Somalia over those of the United States. Emmer accused her of anti-American rhetoric and called for her resignation.

Omar rejected the accusations, insisting the translation was misleading. She released her own version of the speech, asserting that her comments were about protecting Somalia’s coastal access from foreign exploitation — not undermining the United States.

“While I am in Congress, no one will take Somalia’s sea,” Omar said in the revised translation. “The United States will not support those trying to rob us.”

Omar’s critics argue the remarks fit a broader pattern in her political career, including past criticisms of pro-Israel lobbying that were widely condemned as antisemitic. A 2019 tweet — “It’s all about the Benjamins baby” — sparked bipartisan backlash and fueled concerns about her approach to foreign policy.

Though Omar has not been legally linked to the Feeding Our Future investigation, the guilty plea by a former aide close to her underscores the scandal’s reach. It also places fresh scrutiny on the congresswoman’s inner circle at a time when her own history remains a flashpoint for political opponents.

Guhaad Hashi Said, who once ran for state office himself, is expected to be sentenced in the coming months. His cooperation may lead to further revelations as federal authorities continue to investigate the broader fraud network that exploited the pandemic’s emergency relief programs.