Man charged with bribery

CHICAGO -- A Naperville businessman was charged in federal court last week with bribing "an agent of the city of Chicago" in an effort to land a restaurant franchise at O'Hare and Midway airports.

Wafeek Aiyash, 50, of Naperville is accused of passing bribes in the amounts of $5,000 and $10,0000 at a time, in an attempt at winning the contracts.

He allegedly offered the unnamed city employee up to $100,000 for him and his partners to receive five restaurant concessions and Midway and O'Hare, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney's office.

A criminal complaint filed in federal court reveals the FBI has used in its investigation an unnamed cooperator--the city official--for at least a year.

The cooperator has worn a wire and video recorded meetings with Aiyash, according to charges.

Aiyash, a political campaign contributor, was arrested Thursday and appeared in federal court. He was released on a $20,000 recognizance bond, and is scheduled to appear for a status hearing on Nov. 12.

Bribery carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.