Three Chicago-area men charged in alleged fencing operation

On Behalf of | Jan 2, 2020 | Felonies |

Just four miles north of Chicago’s northern border, Wilmette is often ranked as one of Illinois’s best places to live, partly because of its school system and partly because of its low crime rate. Three men recently arrested there on charges that include money laundering and continuing a financial crimes enterprise might well question whether law enforcement officials are wrongly blaming them for what others did.

Police claim the men have been operating a retail theft and fencing ring for nearly a year, buying stolen merchandise and then reselling the items online.

According to a WLS-TV report, the Illinois Department of Revenue Criminal Investigations Division and other agencies served search warrants in 11 Chicago and other in Oak Park, seizing $2 million of merchandise. Three men – ages 42, 33and 31 – were arrested and accused of knowingly buying stolen retail items to resell online.

Police claim that the men removed identifying retail information before reselling the items.

Officials also claim that the men – identified as brothers – used proceeds from the operation to purchase residential real estate in the Chicago area.

All three are charged with money laundering. The 42-year-old and 33-year-old are also accused of continuing a financial crimes enterprise, while the 31-year-old faces an additional felony theft charge.

Continuing a financial crimes enterprise is a Class 1 felony punishable by up to 15 years in state prison and a fine of up to $25,000. The same punishments are possible if a person is convicted of money laundering.

If you have been accused of white-collar crime, contact The Law Offices of Darryl A. Goldberg at 773-793-3196 to discuss the evidence, allegations and your legal options.

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