Former Ilhan Omar Associate Pleads Guilty in $2.9 Million Fraud Scheme

A former campaign worker for Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) has admitted guilt in a massive pandemic food fraud case, linking her political circle once again to controversy.

Federal prosecutors confirmed that Guhaad Hashi Said, 49, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. He was described as an “enforcer” for Omar’s campaign and is the 52nd person convicted in the Feeding Our Future scandal.

Authorities say Said exploited the Federal Child Nutrition Program between late 2020 and early 2022. His nonprofit, Advance Youth Athletic Development, claimed to serve thousands of daily meals to children but delivered only a fraction.

From March through December 2021, Said reported serving more than one million meals. In reality, prosecutors say he forged rosters, invoices, and records to obtain nearly $2.9 million in federal funds.

Much of the money was funneled into shell companies, real estate, vehicles, and personal expenses. Over $2.1 million was routed to a catering business under the guise of food purchases. Said faces up to 25 years in prison.

While Omar is not accused of wrongdoing, the case renews scrutiny of her political ties. She has previously faced campaign finance violations, and her foreign policy remarks have drawn sharp criticism, including calls for her resignation by Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN).

The guilty plea highlights both the scale of fraud within Minnesota and the political pressure on Omar, whose allies and past controversies continue to attract public attention. Sentencing will follow.