Federal prosecutors are asking a court for permission to seize approximately $60,000 worth of luxury goods from Salim Said, a Minneapolis businessman convicted in the "Feeding Our Future" child meal program fraud case.
According to court filings submitted last week, authorities are seeking to seize a Rolex Submariner watch, a 2021 Mercedes GLA, a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, designer handbags, luxury coats, and various other items. Prosecutors argue these assets were derived from fraudulent proceeds.
Said, 37, received $16 million in federal funds for his restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic intended to provide meals for children. A jury concluded he misappropriated over $12 million by fabricating 3.9 million "ghost" meals and convicted him on 21 counts, including wire fraud and bribery. The proposed restitution amount reaches $7.8 million.
In addition to luxury goods, prosecutors are proposing the seizure of $514,000 across five bank accounts, a $1.3 million home in Minnesota, and a $3 million commercial property in Ohio.
The trial drew significant attention following allegations of juror bribery involving $120,000 in cash delivered to a juror's home in a gift bag before deliberations.
Said was a co-owner of Safari Restaurant, where Representative Ilhan Omar held her 2018 victory party. Federal financial records show that two of the restaurant's co-owners donated $4,700 to her campaign. Omar has not been accused of any wrongdoing in the case.
The "Feeding Our Future" program has become the focus of one of the largest pandemic relief fraud cases in Minnesota.
