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Philly Limousine Operator Nabbed In Cop Bribery Sting

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Philadelphia limousine company owner and his friend have been charged with trying to bribe a city police officer for various illegal favors after, investigators say, they were caught in a sting.

Federal authorities allege that business owner Bassam Salaheldein conspired to pay bribes to police for himself and others. Federal prosecutor Joe Khan says Salaheldein wanted a gun permit, among other things.

"One defendant spoke about having a prior conviction that would stop him from getting a gun permit," notes Khan.  "The other defendant had a pending aggravated assault charges and he wanted that case to go away.  And to try to accomplish these things, both these men tried to bribe a Philadelphia police officer."

But in this case the officer was actually a Philadelphia police officer working under cover as part of a federal investigation.

The complaint and warrant also allege that co-defendant Khaleel Eid wanted to pay to have a man beaten.  And authorities say they recorded many of these conversations.

Salaheldein's attorneys say he maintains his innocence. Eid doesn't have an attorney.

Reported by Tony Hanson, KYW Newsradio 1060.

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