Palestinian Money-Laundering Ring in Cincinnati
Fri, Oct 3, 2003 at 8:37:20 pm PDT
A Palestinian money-laundering operation that used drug addicts and thieves, and allegedly shipped money to the Middle East to fund terrorist operations, has been busted in Cincinnati. (Hat tip: Zee.)
Omran Saleh (pictured, below) was among 23 people arrested, most of whom are of Palestinian descent, Thursday, WLWT Eyewitness News 5's Brian Hamrick reported.
According to officials, Saleh, who has a home in Canton, in northeast Ohio, and an apartment in North Fairmount, led a group of people who paid drug addicts to steal specific items. The items were then sold in 10 convenience stores owned or operated by Saleh, Hamrick reported.
Nine of the stores are in Cincinnati -- including Westwood, Over-the-Rhine and North Fairmount -- and the 10th store is in the Canton area, officials said.
"It's an extensive operation," Cincinnati police Chief Tom Streicher said at a news conference Thursday.
Added Hamilton County Prosecutor Mike Allen: "This is the thickest and biggest indictment I think I've ever seen."

