Former Ilhan Omar Associate Pleads Guilty
Guilty Plea in Pandemic Food Fraud
A former campaign associate of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Guhaad Hashi Said, 49,
pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering tied to pandemic-era food programs.
Federal prosecutors said Said exploited a federally funded child nutrition program, claiming his nonprofit served thousands of meals daily.
The Scheme
Court documents show Said falsely reported over 1 million meals served while providing only a fraction.
He funneled $2.1 million to a catering business and spent other funds on personal items.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said: “From where I sit, the scale of the fraud in Minnesota is staggering, and every rock we turn over reveals more.”
Omar’s Connection
Omar has not been implicated, but the plea highlights scrutiny of her political network.
Past controversies include campaign finance violations and disputed statements on Somalia.
Next Steps
Said faces up to 25 years in prison and will be sentenced at a later date.
