Naperville man charged in $200,000 theft from Islamic Foundation

The finance director for an Islamic center in Villa Park stole more than $200,000 by sneaking his wife onto the payroll, authorities said Monday.

Inam Rahim, 58, of the 1700 block of Conan Doyle Road in Naperville, appeared in DuPage County bond court over the weekend on a felony theft charge.

Rahim had worked for the Islamic Foundation in Villa Park for 12 years, the last six as director of business and finance.

About two years ago, prosecutors said, he secretly added his wife to the payroll even though she didn’t work there. She went on to receive checks totaling $212,000, which were uncovered last year during a payroll review, authorities said.

“Internal white collar crimes can at times be very difficult to unearth,” State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement. “Defendants have gained their victims’ trust, are usually familiar with their victim’s finances and therefore know how to cover their tracks.”

Villa Park Police Sgt. Dan McCann said the religious organization, which operates a mosque and school, reported the theft last August, and detectives spent the last seven months investigating and obtaining subpoenas for bank records.

“There was money being transferred into (Rahim’s) account on a regular basis while the investigation was going on,” he said. “We’re happy the investigation was successful.”

Zia Hassan, chairman of the foundation at 300 W. Highridge Road, had no immediate comment but said he planned to issue a statement to the foundation’s supporters.

If convicted, Rahim could face up to 15 years in prison. Court records show he was released from custody Saturday after posting a $20,000 bond and is scheduled for arraignment June 4 before Judge John Kinsella.

There was no answer at his listed phone number Monday, and his attorney did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.