A Burbank Man Sentenced to Six Years for Targeting Female Travelers at O’Hare Airport
A Burbank man, Tamer Refaie, has been sentenced to six years in prison for posing as a taxi or rideshare driver to target female passengers arriving at O’Hare International Airport. He forced them to withdraw cash to pay exorbitant fares, as revealed in court records.
Guilty Plea and Charges
Refaie, aged 34, pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery and one count of kidnapping to resolve charges filed in late 2024. The charges stemmed from a thorough investigation conducted by the Chicago police.
Modus Operandi
Prosecutors detailed Refaie’s scheme, which unfolded during the summer and fall of 2024. He targeted women arriving alone, particularly at O’Hare’s Terminal 5, known for serving international flights.
In one instance on September 14, 2024, Refaie approached a woman offering a ride to a hotel in the far north suburbs. Initially, he accepted a credit card payment but later demanded cash during the journey. He coerced the woman to withdraw $1,400 from an ATM, making threats until she complied.
Another incident involved a 49-year-old woman from Champaign County who accepted a ride from Refaie on July 28, 2024. He drove recklessly and demanded $500 plus a $40 tip after stopping at an ATM. The woman paid and was dropped off at Midway Airport.
Refaie faced charges related to a third woman targeted in a similar scheme during the same period.
Sentencing and Release
Judge Stanley Sacks sentenced Refaie to six years on two robbery counts, four years on the third robbery count, and five years on the kidnapping charge, all to be served concurrently. With the standard 50% sentence reduction and credit for 671 days in custody, Refaie is expected to be released in April next year.
Refaie’s deceptive tactics and exploitation of vulnerable travelers have led to his imprisonment, serving as a warning to others who may attempt similar crimes.
