News

Naperville man charged with bribery in airport deals

Posted November 04, 2009 10:00 pm

By Ted Cox

A Naperville man was charged in federal court Thursday with trying to set up restaurant franchises at O'Hare and Midway airports by bribing a Chicago official.

Wafeek "Wally" Aiyash, 50, offered $100,000 to arrange as many as seven franchise outlets at the two airports, authorities alleged.

FBI agents said Aiyash was recorded negotiating the deal and delivering $9,000 in bribes over a period from May to September of last year. The investigation was abetted by an unnamed cooperating witness, "an agent of the city of Chicago ... currently charged with bribery" and aiding the investigation in order to receive recommendation for a reduced sentence, authorities said.

Bribery carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Aiyash was released on a $20,000 recognizance bond after appearing before a federal magistrate.

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