HSI Chicago receives prestigious Chicago Crime Commission award

The Chicago Crime Commission recognized HSI Chicago’s financial investigations group Nov. 12 with an award for “Law Enforcement Excellence by a Task Force in the Area of Illegal Narcotics” during its annual Stars of Distinction awards dinner. This is the first time an HSI team has been honored by the Chicago Crime Commission, one of the nation’s oldest and most respected citizen groups of its kind. Awards are presented to individuals and task forces in local, state and federal law enforcement that have made significant contributions to crime-fighting efforts.

The award originated from an April 2014 enforcement action that resulted in three arrests and the seizure of nearly 20 lbs. of heroin in suburban Kane County, Illinois. The reasons for the award were twofold: first, this was the largest heroin seizure in the history of Kane County, and second, HSI’s financial group successfully led and coordinated a complex narcotics case that encompassed 12 law enforcement agencies. In essence, HSI displayed an extraordinary ability to lead its task force partners toward the common goal of combating crime and improving public safety.

This exemplary collaboration resulted in the seizure of $275,040, 19.94 lbs. of heroin, a handgun, a vehicle with a mechanical trap to hide contraband, drug scales, logs and phones. Two individuals face money laundering charges in Kane County, and one individual was charged with money laundering and possession of narcotics with intent to deliver.