Minnesota State Wire

Three individuals have pleaded guilty to charges related to the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, according to an announcement by Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. The convictions bring the total number of guilty pleas in the case to over 50.

“This milestone marks an extraordinary achievement by our team and our law enforcement partners,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “For years, these elite federal agents and forensic accountants have tracked stolen money, cut through layers of deceit, and exposed a sprawling network of shell companies and fake meal claims. Their pursuit of justice has been relentless. Because of their work, we’ve uncovered not just one scheme, but a far-reaching fraud crisis that’s swamping Minnesota. This is public service at its finest. And this team is nowhere near finished.”

Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis commented on the ongoing investigation: “The Federal Bureau of Investigation takes immense pride in its pivotal role in securing 50 convictions to date, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to holding accountable those who illicitly appropriate funds meant for the nourishment of underprivileged children,” he said. “Taxpayers are entitled to assurance that their contributions will be utilized in a responsible and lawful manner. These three guilty pleas underscore the gravity with which the FBI addresses fraud perpetrated against the government.”

Mahad Ibrahim, 46, admitted guilt for defrauding the federal child nutrition program through his nonprofit ThinkTechAct Foundation (also known as Mind Foundry Learning Foundation). He worked with other conspirators, including Abdiaziz Farah—who was convicted last year—in activities sponsored by Feeding Our Future and Partners in Nutrition. Ibrahim took steps to avoid learning about all aspects of his associates’ actions but allowed his foundation to be used for fraudulent purposes and received payments from others involved in the scheme. He also laundered proceeds through another entity he controlled, MIB Holdings LLC, using some funds for real estate purchases in Ohio.

Hamdi Hussein Omar, 29, participated in creating a false food distribution site at a market in Waite Park, Minnesota with several conspirators—including Salim Said—claiming they served thousands of meals daily when they did not. Omar established a company called Feeding Our Youth as part of the deception and submitted fabricated attendance rosters listing non-existent children.

Hibo Salah Daar, 51, ran Northside Wellness Center Corporation and enrolled it as a food-distribution site under Feeding Our Future sponsorship in November 2020. False claims were made regarding tens of thousands of meals supposedly served each week or month, supported by fake invoices. Daar also authorized bribes totaling $72,000 to keep the operation running.

According to authorities, Ibrahim’s actions contributed to millions lost from taxpayer funds; Omar’s group caused losses estimated at $1.4 million; and Daar’s involvement resulted in approximately $2.4 million lost.

The investigation is being led by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

All three defendants entered their pleas before Judge Nancy E. Brasel in U.S District Court—Mahad on July 24, 2025; Omar and Daar on August 1, 2025—with sentencing hearings yet to be scheduled.

The prosecution team includes Acting U.S Attorney Joseph H. Thompson along with Assistant U.S Attorneys Matthew S. Ebert, Harry M. Jacobs, Daniel W. Bobier; Assistant U.S Attorney Craig Baune is managing asset seizure and forfeiture.