Chicago Police have arrested and charged two individuals in an undercover operation targeting several retail businesses engaged in selling stolen iPhones, counterfeit merchandise, and untaxed cigarettes.

Asad A. Abumuslem, 52, of the 9700 block of S. Ridgeland Avenue, Oak Lawn, and Saad Abdulhadi, 22, of the 14300 block of S. Springfield, Midlothian were each charged with one felony count of Continuing Financial Crime Enterprise and one count each of felony Theft.

Operation “Clean Break” was conducted over a span of ten months by Intelligence Section Officers in conjunction with the Asset Forfeiture Unit. Acting on gathered community intelligence, police launched an investigation into allegations that the businesses in question were purchasing stolen iPhones and reselling them to unsuspecting customers. Further investigation revealed that the targeted businesses were also selling untaxed stamped cigarettes and counterfeit merchandise.

Officers were able to utilize a variety of investigative techniques, including several undercover buys, and video and electronic surveillance to identify and apprehend the two offenders charged. Officers recovered nearly $68,000 dollars, a sizable quantity of untaxed cigarettes, and three vehicles including a Mercedes SL550.

Abumuslem and Abdulhadi will appear in bond court at 2600 S. California on December 18, 2015.