Salim Said to Face Sentencing on Wednesday Morning
Federal prosecutors are requesting a 40-year prison term for the operator involved in a massive fraud scheme.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Salim Said, who operated the Safari Restaurant in Minneapolis, will appear in U.S. District Court on Wednesday for sentencing. A jury convicted him in March 2025 on 21 counts of wire fraud, conspiracy, bribery, and money laundering.
Why it matters
Prosecutors argue that a 40-year prison sentence is necessary to serve as a deterrent against future large-scale fraud against taxpayer-funded programs. This case represents a significant portion of the broader Feeding Our Future investigation.
Federal prosecutors have formally requested a 40-year prison sentence for Salim Said following his conviction on 21 counts. The sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place on Wednesday in U.S. District Court.
The players
Salim Said
He is the former operator of the Safari Restaurant in Minneapolis who was convicted for his role in a major fraud scheme.
U.S. District Court
This federal judicial body is presiding over the criminal proceedings and sentencing for individuals connected to the Feeding Our Future fraud case.
The details
Said allegedly submitted fabricated meal counts and attendance records to federal programs, claiming to feed 6,000 children daily while FBI surveillance recorded only 40 people at his restaurant. He routed over $44 million in illicit funds through his businesses, using the money to purchase a $1.2 million home in Plymouth and an $87,000 custom Chevrolet Silverado.
Timeline
April 2020: Said signed up as a food provider.
March 2025: A jury found Said guilty on 21 counts.
October 28, 2026: Salim Said's sentencing hearing occurs.
Legal Context
This sentencing marks another step in the Feeding Our Future fraud case, which is one of the largest criminal schemes involving federal program funds. To date, 70 defendants have been convicted as part of this ongoing federal investigation.
This case highlights the massive scale of fraud targeting taxpayer-funded programs, leading to stricter oversight of federal distribution hubs in cities like Willmar, Mankato, and St. Cloud. Local residents are reminded that these investigations remain ongoing as the court processes those involved.
The takeaway
This case illustrates the significant legal consequences for individuals who exploit public assistance programs for personal gain. Authorities emphasize that the severity of the requested sentence reflects the scope of the fraud against taxpayers.
What happens next
Salim Said is scheduled for his sentencing hearing on Wednesday morning in U.S. District Court.
Further reading
Learn more about local investigations in our Minneapolis Financial Crime section.
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Do you support imposing lengthy prison sentences to deter individuals from committing large-scale financial fraud?
