Following a joint investigation by the Chicago Inspector General’s Office and the FBI, a federal grand jury today returned a six-count indictment against a City contractor, as well as its owner and her spouse on felony fraud charges. Azteca Supply Co., a certified minority-and-woman-owned enterprise for the City of Chicago, is accused of receiving more than $9.5 million while serving as a sham contractor on numerous projects at O’Hare International Airport and another at a Metra commuter station. Both Azteca and its owner, Aurora Venegas, were indicted on five counts of mail fraud. Venegas’ husband, Thomas Masen, was charged with mail fraud and one count of making false statements to federal agents.
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The mission of the independent and nonpartisan City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) is to promote economy, effectiveness, efficiency, and integrity by identifying corruption, waste, and mismanagement in City government. OIG is a watchdog for the taxpayers of the City and has jurisdiction to conduct inquiries into most aspects of City government.
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