
WILMETTE (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Eight people, including several from the Chicago area, have been arrested and charged with taking part in what authorities call a “sophisticated criminal enterprise.”
Twelve search warrants were executed by authorities last week in Chicago, Cicero, Oak Lawn, Bolingbrook, even California. When it was all said and done eight people were arrested and over $7 million was recovered. Wilmette police said the bust follows a year-long investigation involving several different agencies into retail theft and fencing.
Those arrested are accused of taking part in a scheme to steal merchandise, even certain medications from Chicago area stores, sell those goods to others who suspects, who then would resell them, oftentimes to people in different states.
Investigators said they also used multiple different banks and accounts in hopes of hiding the transactions.
51-year-old Hani and 48-year-old Iaad Hamad, 41-year-old Michael Beals, 41-year-old Fe Keisha Hamlin, and 35-year-old Markell Spencer are among the Chicago area residents now facing charges.
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