Operation Gray King Arrest of Business Owner Financial Crime Enterprise

CHICAGO – Chicago Police arrested and charged a West Side business owner Thursday night after an ongoing investigation revealed the man purchased stolen merchandise and unlawfully accepted cash in exchange for LINK card benefits on numerous occasions.

Ali Al-Najjar, 45, of the 5700 block of N. Mozart was charged on October 15, 2015, with one felony count of Continuing Financial Crime Enterprise.

After receiving multiple complaints of a major fencing operation in the Harrison (11th) District, members of the Chicago Police Bureau of Organized Crime initiated “Operation Gray King” and developed intelligence about illegal activities taking place at a store on the 4000 block of W. Madison. Officers learned Al-Najjar, the store owner, was a large scale buyer of stolen goods and also involved in “trafficking,” a fraudulent practice in which electronic benefits provided by the LINK card were purchased by Al-Najjar.

On October 15th, Chicago Police executed a search warrant at Al-Najjar’s residence and placed the offender in custody without incident. As a result of the investigation, more than $40,000 in cash was recovered, along with approximately $30,000 worth of high value merchandise. Additionally, two vehicles were seized in connection with the investigation.

Al-Najjar was scheduled to appear at Central Bond Court, 2600 S. California, on October 16, 2015.