Following a months-long investigation by the Canton Township Police Department Special Operation Group, three suspects have been arraigned on multiple felony charges relating to the receipt and sale of stolen goods.
According to police, the investigation into a suspected fencing operation at the Valero Gas Station in Detroit began last fall. Police suspected employees at the business were knowingly purchasing stolen goods at significantly reduced prices to resell for profit. The investigation was carried out jointly between the Canton Police Department and multiple local retailers from the private sector including Walmart Global investigations, Sam’s Club, Meijer, Home Depot and others.
The investigation revealed that the gas station management along with employees, purchased large quantities of stolen energy drinks and other stolen items from individuals, commonly referred to as “boosters,” who targeted retail stores in Canton and across Metro Detroit.
On Jan. 22, the Canton Police Department Investigative Bureau executed two search warrants relating to the investigation: one at the Valero Gas Station at 6571 Linwood St. and one at a residential location in the City of Dearborn. These efforts led to the arrest of three individuals and the recovery of thousands of dollars in suspected stolen goods, according to police reports.
Three men were arraigned in 36th District Court Jan. 24 on felony charges related to the operation.
Aziz Awadh, 40, of Dearborn faces charges of conducting criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony and/or $100,000 fine; using a computer to commit a crime, a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine; organized retail crime, a 5-year felony and/or $20,000 to $5,000 fine, police said.
Hamood Fatteh, 22, is charged with conducting criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony and/or $100,000 fine; using a computer to commit a crime, a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine; organized retail crime, a 5-year felony and/or $20,000 or fine $5,000 fine.
Safwan Awadh, 38, is charged with organized retail crime, a 5-year felony and/or $20,000 fine $5,000 fine.
The men were arraigned Jan. 24 in 36th District Court. Magistrate William Burton issued $10,000 personal bonds for each of the three men.
