Who’s been charged in the Feeding Our Future fraud investigation?

Sahan Journal publishes deep, reported news for and with immigrants and communities of color—the kind of stories you won't find anywhere else.

Unlock our in-depth reporting by signing up for our free newsletter.

Looking for all the latest news on the Feeding Our Future investigation? Subscribe to our free newsletter!

The stories that come from Minnesota's diverse communities are priceless. Help us keep them free to read for everyone.

The Department of Justice has announced charges against dozens of people allegedly involved in what federal prosecutors are calling the largest case of COVID-19 pandemic fraud in the country.

Sahan Journal has compiled the names of people listed in several different criminal indictments (that is, charging documents) for their alleged roles in a $250 million scheme to defraud federal child nutrition programs.

None of these individuals have been convicted of any crimes and many have asserted their innocence, directly and through their attorneys.

U.S. Attorney Andy Luger said in a news conference on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, that arrests were made that day. More charges were filed later that year and in 2023.

Charges so far include conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, and bribery. Federal prosecutors said the "defendants obtained, misappropriated, and laundered millions of dollars in program funds that were intended as reimbursements for the cost of serving meals to children" from low-income families.

Attorneys for several defendants declined comment or did not return messages seeking comment in September. Many defendants did not have attorneys listed for their cases, and were represented by the public defender's office when they made their first appearance in court on September 20, 2022.

"My client is going to defend herself fully, and we entered a not guilty plea today and we look forward to defending this in court," Amy Conners, who is representing Qamar Hassan, said in September.

Kenneth Udoibok, who is representing Aimee Bock, said in September that his client is innocent. She pleaded not guilty.

This list will be updated when new defendants are charged.

The following individuals are named in the indictment United States v. Aimee Marie Bock, et al. indictment

The following individuals are named in the indictment United States v. Abdiaziz Shafii Farah, et al.

The following individuals are named in the indictment United States v. Qamar Ahmed Hassan, et al.

The following individuals are named in the indictment United States v. Haji Osman Salad, et al.

The following individuals are named in the indictment United States v. Liban Yasin Alishire, et al.

The following individuals are named in the indictment United States v. Sharmarke Jama, et al.

The following individuals are named in criminal informations, another form of charging document. Each of the following people are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Two people were arrested and charged via complaint after buying tickets to leave the country.

The following individuals were charged on March 13, 2023.

51. Mohamed Ali Hussein, Faribault, president and owner of Somali American Faribault Education (SAFE), a nonprofit organization that operated a food site under Feeding Our Future.

52. Lul Bashir Ali, Faribault, owner of Lido Restaurant, a food site and meal vendor that purported to provide and serve meals at the Somali American Faribault Education site.

53. Mulata Ali, manager of Franklyn Transportation in Minneapolis, which was previously identified as a shell company funneling food-aid money.

54. Kawsar Jama, Eagan, principal of Gedo Community Services and Ahlan Childcare Center Inc.

55. Abdikadir Kadiye, Plymouth, president of Hobyo Health Care Foundation.

56. Abdulkadir Awale, Bloomington, principal of Karmel Coffee and Sambusa King, and the chief executive officer of Nawal Restaurant.

57. Khadra Abdi, principal of Shafi’i Tutoring and Homework Help Center.

58. Ayan Farah Abukar, founder and executive director of Action for East African People, a nonprofit that provided health, housing, and education services to East Africans across Minnesota. The defendant used the nonprofit to enroll multiple food sites.

59. Sade Osman Hashi, chief executive officer of Great Lakes Inc., a food site that also operated as a vendor called Safari Express.

60. Sharon Ross, executive director of House of Refuge Outreach, a nonprofit organization in St. Paul.

That means it needs to be free! We don't put our news behind a paywall. Your tax-deductible donation is critical to our mission of keeping you informed.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Want more? Get news and stories that illuminate the lives and experiences of Minnesota's immigrants and communities of color.

Hibah Ansari is a reporter for Sahan Journal and corps member with Report For America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms. She was named the 2022 Young Journalist of... More by Hibah Ansari