A 37-year-old man who played a significant role in a large-scale fraud scheme targeting a U.S. food program in Minnesota during the COVID-19 pandemic has been sentenced to 30 years in prison. The case, which has resulted in numerous convictions, garnered national scrutiny and political pressure.

This widespread scheme defrauded a federal program designed to provide meals to needy children. The pandemic altered the program's typical operations, allowing restaurants to participate and expanding distribution beyond schools. The government has stated that the defendant was responsible for approximately $44 million in fraudulent claims.

Salim Said, who operated Safari Restaurant in Minneapolis, was accused of inflating meal numbers to receive payments. Prosecutors stated that Said was responsible for $44 million in fraud, with some of the funds allegedly being distributed to others he recruited. US District Judge Nancy Brasel noted that Said enriched himself and damaged the state's reputation.

Prosecutors highlighted discrepancies, such as FBI cameras showing only 40 people collecting food daily while Said claimed a distribution of 6,000 meals. Said, who was born in Somalia, initially denied the allegations during his 2025 trial, claiming meals were delivered off-site. However, he later expressed remorse at his sentencing.

Defense lawyer Barry Zone argued against the prosecution's characterization of Said as the "architect" of the scheme and had requested a 12-year sentence. The government contends that Said "hit the jackpot," using the illicit funds to purchase a $1.2 million home, commercial property, and a high-end pickup truck.

The case drew significant attention from then-President Donald Trump, who criticized the then-Democratic governor for not preventing the fraud. Trump cited the scheme as a reason for implementing immigration crackdowns in the state's major cities.

For 21 consecutive months, Said allegedly submitted thousands of fraudulent reimbursement claims. These claims purported to represent meals provided to underprivileged children, but the government asserts that the listed children were fictitious.

The widespread nature of the fraud led to dozens of convictions, and the case continues to be a point of political discussion regarding program oversight and immigration.