Federal prosecutors accuse a southwest suburban businessman of swindling investors.
Investigators say 41-year-old Awad Odeh of Palos Hills ran what he claimed was a precious metals refining business in Bridgeview.
Prosecutors say Odeh cheated investors out of at least $3.6 million in part by falsely claiming they would receive yearly returns on their investments from 10 to 50 percent.
Investigators say Odeh used false documents to make it appear his company was financially sound.
Prosecutors say Odeh is charged with four counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.