Minnesota Fraud Ringleader Gets 30 Years In Prison For $44 Million Scheme

What happened: Salim Said, who operated Safari Restaurant in Minneapolis, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for a $44 million fraud scheme exploiting a federally funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key numbers: 30-year sentence; $44 million scheme; about $13 million personal take; 6,000 meals claimed daily; convicted Why it matters: The sentence drew attention to Rep. Ilhan Omar's past association with the restaurant, and Republicans have questioned her sponsorship of the 2020 MEALS Act, arguing relaxed federal oversight created opportunities for abuse.

Salim Said, who operated Safari Restaurant in Minneapolis, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for a $44 million fraud scheme exploiting a federally funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The sentence drew attention to Rep. Ilhan Omar's past association with the restaurant, and Republicans have questioned her sponsorship of the 2020 MEALS Act, arguing relaxed federal oversight created opportunities for abuse.