Free Republic

The 65 page indictment unsealed Wednesday outlines a massive conspiracy to defraud employees, IHOP corporate, investors, the Internal Revenue Service and federal, state and local law enforcement. Background Prior to 2003, Tarek Elkafrawi owned and operated two IHOP franchises; one in Decatur, Illinois and the other in Evansville, Indiana. During his time in Decatur, the indictment alleges, Elkafrowi began a social friendship with Autumn Lee Tangas, an employee of IHOP Corporate in Decatur. Between 2003 and 2006 Elkafrawi purchased, either entirely or in partnership with other investors, 6 other IHOP franchises. Those stores are located in Toledo (2), Holland, Findlay,...

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. While the investigation remains sealed, authorities said they were investigating money laundering, funding terrorist organizations and possible undocumented workers. 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...