Joseph H. Thompson, U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota | Department of Justice
Joseph H. Thompson, U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota | Department of Justice
Abdiaziz Farah, previously convicted of fraud in the Feeding Our Future trial, has admitted to bribing a juror in that same trial. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson announced Farah's guilty plea.
The original trial began on April 22, 2024, under U.S. District Judge Nancy E. Brasel, involving seven defendants accused of fraud related to Feeding Our Future. During this time, Abdiaziz Farah, along with Abdimajid Nur and Said Farah and two others—Abdulkarim Farah and Ladan Ali—conspired to bribe a juror for a not guilty verdict.
Acting U.S. Attorney Thompson stated: “The attempted bribery of a Feeding Our Future juror sent shockwaves throughout Minnesota.” He added that the effort was thwarted by Juror 52 and law enforcement's work.
Special Agent Alvin M. Winston Sr., FBI Minneapolis, remarked: “Juror bribery is an attack on the integrity of our justice system.” He emphasized the FBI's commitment to protecting judicial processes.
Court documents reveal that after targeting Juror 52 for bribery, surveillance was conducted at the juror’s residence. Ladan Ali was tasked with delivering the bribe money after funds were gathered by Abdiaziz Farah and his associates.
On June 2, 2024, communications between Abdiaziz Farah and Said Farah via encrypted messaging app discussed preparing the bribe money. Later that day, Abdimajid Nur collected the funds from Bushra Wholesalers as instructed by Abdiaziz Farah.
Concerns about trust led Abdulkarim Farah to accompany Ladan Ali to deliver the bribe while recording it on video for evidence of delivery at Juror 52’s house.
Following delivery at approximately 8:50 p.m., Abdulkarim sent the video to Abdiaziz who then forwarded it to Said with instructions to "watch and delete."
On June 3, during court proceedings where prosecutors revealed knowledge of the bribe attempt, Abdiaziz reset his iPhone before surrendering it as ordered by Judge Brasel.
Farah pleaded guilty on June 17, 2025, before Judge David S. Doty for one count of juror bribery; sentencing will be scheduled later.
This case stems from an investigation by multiple agencies including the FBI and IRS – Criminal Investigations among others.
Prosecution is led by Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew S. Ebert, Harry M. Jacobs, and Daniel W. Bobier handling legal proceedings.
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