Aimee Bock Convicted in $240M Pandemic Relief Fraud Scheme

Aimee Bock, the founder of Minnesota nonprofit Feeding Our Future, was convicted of orchestrating a scheme that defrauded the government of over $240 million in pandemic relief funds. A jury found her guilty on multiple counts, including wire fraud and bribery, for running bogus food kitchens that falsely billed the government for 91 million meals intended for needy children. Co-defendant Salim Ahmed Said, who managed one of these fake kitchens, was also convicted of various charges, including conspiracy and money laundering. Prosecutors described the case as the largest known fraud against COVID-19 relief programs, involving around 70 defendants, with over 40 already pleading guilty or being convicted. The fraud exploited federal child nutrition programs by inflating the number of meals served and misusing funds for personal luxuries. Both Bock and Said were ordered to remain in custody pending sentencing, which could exceed a decade in prison.