3 Metro Detroit Men Arrested In 'Fencing' Scheme: Police

CANTON TOWNSHIP, MI — Three Dearborn men are facing charges in connection with a "fencing" scheme across metro Detroit, according to police.

In the fall 2024, the Canton Police Department’s Special Operation Group (SOG) began looking into a suspected "fencing" operation at the Valero Gas Station, located at 6571 Linwood St, Detroit, according to police.

A "fence" is a business that knowingly purchases stolen goods at significantly reduced prices to resell for profit, according to police.

Investigators determined that the gas station management along with employees, bought large quantities of stolen energy drinks and other stolen items from individuals, known as "boosters," who targeted retail stores in Canton and across Metro Detroit, according to police.

Investigators searched two locations last Wednesday in connection with the case: the Valero Gas Station on Linwood Street and the other at a home in the City of Dearborn.

Officers arrested three men and recovered "thousands of dollars in suspected stolen goods" during the search, according to police.

Aziz Awadh, age 40, of Dearborn, charged with:

• Conducting Criminal Enterprise: 20 years and/or $100,000 fine.
• Using a Computer to Commit a Crime: 20 years and/or $20,000 fine.
• Using a Computer to Commit a Crime: 20 years and/or $20,000 fine.
• Organized Retail Crime: Five years and/or $20,000 fine $5,000 fine.

Hamood Fatteh, age 22, of Dearborn, charged with:

• Conducting Criminal Enterprise: 20 years and/or $100,000 fine.
• Using a Computer to Commit a Crime: 20 years and/or $20,000 fine.
• Using a Computer to Commit a Crime: 20 years and/or $20,000 fine.
• Organized Retail Crime: Five years and/or $20,000 fine $5,000 fine.

Safwan Awadh, 38, of Dearborn, charged with:

• Organized Retail Crime: Five years and/or $20,000 fine $5,000 fine.

They were each placed in jail with a $10,000 bond. Their next court date is scheduled for Friday.