Mohamed Muse Noor, a prominent Somali journalist and media owner, has pleaded guilty in the staggering $250 million Feeding Our Future fraud case, one of the largest pandemic-related scams in U.S. history. Noor, also known as Deeq Darajo, admitted to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, acknowledging his role in falsifying records and siphoning funds meant to feed hungry children.
Noor, who owned Xogmaal Media Group, claimed to provide meals for 1,500 children daily, but prosecutors revealed the numbers were entirely fabricated. Court records show he never even visited the feeding sites listed under his name. Arrested at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport in 2022 while attempting to flee to Turkey, Noor received $1.3 million in illicit funds, though a fellow conspirator, Feeding Our Future employee Abdikerm Eidleh, allegedly took most of it, leaving Noor with just $52,000.
Minnesota Woman Pleads Guilty in $5.7M Feeding Our Future Fraud
The case is rocking Minnesota’s Somali community, with federal agents aggressively pursuing luxury cars, real estate, and bank accounts linked to the fraud. Noor’s guilty plea follows confessions from other defendants, including Safari Restaurant owners, who fraudulently claimed $16 million in reimbursements for feeding 5,000 children daily.
The scandal’s mastermind, Aimee Bock, is set to stand trial Monday, alongside co-defendant Salim Said. Prosecutors argue that instead of feeding vulnerable children, those involved enriched themselves on taxpayer dollars.
The fallout is immense. Trust in federally funded programs is collapsing, and Somali-American leaders fear lasting damage to businesses and community credibility.
As federal prosecutors continue to seize stolen assets, the question lingers—how deep does this fraud go, and who else will fall?
Court Clash Over Somali Real Estate Developer Unveils Tensions in Minnesota
Somali-American Leader Sentenced to 17 Years for Role in $250M Feeding Our Future Fraud
Somali Refugee Pleads Guilty to Stealing Millions in COVID Fraud Scheme
FBI Forensic Accountant Tracks Misused Taxpayer Funds in Feeding Our Future Trial
