Topic: IHOPs in Ohio raided by DHS

[Pandora]

Several IHOP locations are re-opening after seven IHOP locations in Ohio and Indiana were raided early Tuesday morning by the FBI, Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency and local police.[/quote]

TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) - Officials with Homeland Security tell us the investigation is currently sealed and cannot release any additional information.

A well-placed source with Toledo Police Department tells WTOL 11 the investigation surrounds allegations of money laundering and possibly undocumented workers.

This source also told us there may be allegations of terrorism, but a spokesperson with IHOP's corporate office says they have been told there are no terrorism links.

Locations that were raided:

- Talmadge Road in west Toledo

- Fremont-Pike location in Perrysburg

- Airport Highway in Springfield Township

- Central Avenue in Sylvania Township near McCord road

- An IHOP in Lima, Ohio

- An IHOP in Findlay, Ohio

- An IHOP in Evansville, Indiana

Homeland Security confirms search warrants were executed at 6 a.m.

All seven of the restaurants are owned by Terry Elk. Elk is from our area and WFIE, our sister station in Evansville, Indiana, confirmed Terry Elk's real name is Tarek Elkafrawi.

The FBI told WTOL they raided two homes and two storage units have also been searched. A source tells us the storage units were rented by Maazen Kadir.

According to the Better Business Bureau website, Kadir is the primary contact for the Talmadge Road location and is listed as the area managerWTOL reporters witnessed FBI agents removing many boxes from the locations. It is unknown what the boxes contain.

Elkafrawi was at a national meeting of IHOP store owners this morning and is now on his way back to our area.

IHOP also said they have been in contact with the FBI and the other authorities and, again, IHOP is saying they have been told this investigation is not related to terrorism.

Unh hunh.

So.  Does this fit under "Radical islam" or not?

H/T Princess Bernie

[Janny]

So, not related to terrorism? So, what's the deal, then? Illegal trafficking of pancake syrup?   

[Pandora]

So, not related to terrorism? So, what's the deal, then? Illegal trafficking of pancake syrup?   

Could be; ya never know.  Might be bootlegged from a "protected species" of maple tree.

[warpmine]

Could be; ya never know.  Might be bootlegged from a "protected species" of maple tree.
[/quote]

 

[charlesoakwood]

They may be well educated, have good manners and even be charming.

                                                                                                         

[Libertas]

"Illegal trafficking of pancake syrup"