Salim Said Sentenced to 30 Years in Minnesota Fraud Case

Salim Said was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for his role in a Minnesota fraud scheme that prosecutors say diverted money from a program intended to provide meals to children during the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel imposed the sentence on Wednesday, October 28. Prosecutors said Said was responsible for about $44 million in fraudulent claims, including money obtained through operations involving other participants. That figure reflects the claims attributed to him by the government, not a finding that he personally received the full amount. Said operated Safari Restaurant in Minneapolis. Prosecutors said he and associates submitted thousands of reimbursement claims over 21 months for meals that were not provided. In court filings, prosecutors said the restaurant claimed to distribute about 6,000 meals a day, while FBI surveillance showed about 40 people collecting food daily. They alleged that meal records included fictitious children. Said denied the allegations while testifying at his 2025 trial, saying that many meals had been delivered off site. He expressed remorse at sentencing. His defense sought a 12-year prison term and disputed the...