Minnesota Jury Convicts Aimee Bock in $250 Million COVID-19 Fraud

A Minnesota jury has convicted Aimee Bock, founder of the nonprofit Feeding Our Future, and co-defendant Salim Ahmed Said in a massive $250 million COVID-19 relief fraud case, considered the largest of its kind in U.S. history. Both were found guilty of conspiracy, wire fraud, bribery, and in Said's case, money laundering, after a six-week trial that revealed they exploited pandemic relief funds intended for feeding children. Prosecutors noted that Bock allegedly pocketed nearly $2 million while Said took roughly $5 million, with evidence showing they submitted falsified documents to enrich themselves. The case has also highlighted issues of attempted juror bribery and witness tampering. U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel ordered both defendants to be held without bail pending sentencing. In total, 37 others have pleaded guilty in connection to this scheme, further underscoring the extensive nature of the fraud.