Three Dearborn Men Arrested in Detroit Gas Station Fencing Operation

News Summary

Three men from Dearborn, Aziz Awadh, Safwan Awadh, and Hamood Fatteh, were arrested in Detroit for operating a fencing operation that involved purchasing stolen goods at a gas station. The Canton Police Department’s Special Operation Group initiated the investigation, leading to the discovery of thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise, including energy drinks. The men face serious charges, including conducting a criminal enterprise, and their next court date is approaching. Major retailers aided the investigation, emphasizing the significance of tackling retail crime.

Three Dearborn Men Busted in Detroit Gas Station Fencing Operation

Detroit, a bustling hub of activity, has recently found itself at the center of an intriguing story involving three men from the nearby city of Dearborn. The trio—Aziz Awadh, 40, Safwan Awadh, 38, and 22-year-old Hamood Fatteh—are facing serious legal troubles following a police investigation into what authorities are calling a “fencing” operation.

The Investigation Begins

It all started in the fall of 2024 when the Canton Police Department’s Special Operation Group (SOG) began receiving tips that something fishy was happening at the Valero Gas Station located at 6571 Linwood St in Detroit. This was no ordinary gas station; investigators suspected it was involved in a scheme to buy and sell stolen goods.

For those who might be wondering, a “fence” is a business that willingly purchases stolen items at knocked-down prices, only to turn around and sell them for a tidy profit. Investigators uncovered that the gas station’s management and employees were allegedly buying stolen energy drinks and various other products from individuals known as “boosters.” These boosters were seen targeting retail outlets in Canton and across the entire Metro Detroit area, leading to a shadowy network of theft and resale.

The Big Break

Charges and Arrests

Following the arrests, each of the men was booked with a bond set at $10,000, ensuring they wouldn’t be able to just waltz back out without facing the music. Aziz Awadh found himself facing some hefty charges, including conducting a criminal enterprise, which could land him a 20-year felony sentence. He was also charged with two counts of using a computer to commit a crime and organized retail crime, which is a 5-year felony.

Safwan Awadh, while not facing as many charges as his brother, was still grappling with the organized retail crime charge. Hamood Fatteh faced a similar fate, with charges aligning closely with those against Aziz, including conducting a criminal enterprise and two counts of using a computer for illicit activities.

During their arraignment at the 36th District Court in Detroit, the judge set their bond at a hefty $25,000, indicating just how serious authorities are taking this case. Their next court date is scheduled for Friday, and it promises to be an eventful day as more details may unfold.

Retail Giants in the Mix

The investigation didn’t happen in isolation. It was a collaborative effort involving major retailers like Walmart, Meijer, and Home Depot, all of which played a crucial role in piecing together this puzzle. With the evidence they gathered, authorities could confirm that the Valero Gas Station was indeed buying stolen merchandise, further solidifying the claim that this operation was a well-oiled machine dedicated to reselling stolen goods.

What’s Next?

Stay tuned, Detroit! This story is still unfolding, and we’ll keep you informed as more details come to light!

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Additional Resources

• Patch: Three Metro Detroit Men Arrested in Fencing Scheme
• Detroit News: 3 Accused of Selling Stolen Goods at Detroit Gas Station
• Hometown Life: Scheme Targeted Canton Stores
• Wikipedia: Fencing (criminal)
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Theft