The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit affirmed the federal bribery conviction of Charles Cui, a Chicago developer who was found guilty of bribing longtime Alderman Edward Burke to secure influence in a city permit dispute. The three-judge panel issued its ruling January 9, 2026, upholding Cui's 32-month prison sentence and rejecting all challenges raised in his appeal.
The case stems from Cui's ownership of commercial real estate at 4901 West Irving Park Road in Chicago's 45th ward through his company Irving Park Property Holdings LLC. In 2015, Cui leased the property to Binny's Beverage Depot, granting the tenant exclusive rights to use a 30-foot pole sign adjacent to the building. However, when Binny's applied for the necessary permit from the Chicago Department of Buildings in spring 2017, officials denied the request.
The permit denial created significant financial pressure for Cui because he had entered into an agreement with the city the previous year to finance redevelopment of the property. Under that arrangement, Cui stood to receive up to $2 million in tax increment financing, but the funding was conditioned on Binny's continuing to lease the property. The CDOB's rejection of the pole sign permit threatened this lucrative financing deal.
According to court documents, the CDOB denied the permit because the city had rezoned the area for pedestrian use, and the pole sign was not eligible for nonconforming use status since the property had remained vacant for an extended period. This regulatory obstacle prompted Cui to seek alternative means to obtain the necessary permit approval.
Federal prosecutors alleged that Cui attempted to resolve the permit issue by bribing Edward Burke, who at the time was Chicago's longest-serving alderman with decades of political influence. Burke wielded considerable power in city affairs and was known for his ability to navigate Chicago's complex regulatory environment. The bribery scheme was designed to leverage Burke's political connections to secure favorable treatment for Cui's permit application.
Following a six-week trial in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, a jury found Cui guilty of the federal bribery charges. Chief Judge Virginia M. Kendall presided over the proceedings and subsequently denied Cui's post-trial motions for acquittal and a new trial before imposing the 32-month prison sentence.
Cui's legal team mounted a comprehensive appeal to the Seventh Circuit, challenging multiple aspects of his conviction and sentence. The defense argued that the evidence was insufficient to support the guilty verdict, claiming prosecutors failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Cui engaged in the alleged bribery scheme. They also contested the jury instructions provided by the trial court, arguing that jurors received improper guidance on the legal standards for federal bribery charges.
Additionally, Cui's attorneys challenged the district court's decision to admit certain evidence under Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b), which governs the admissibility of evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts. This type of evidence can be particularly prejudicial to defendants, as it may suggest a pattern of criminal behavior beyond the specific charges at trial.
The defense also raised sentencing challenges, arguing that the 32-month prison term was excessive or improperly calculated under federal sentencing guidelines. These guidelines provide structured frameworks for determining appropriate sentences based on offense characteristics and defendant history.
However, the three-judge Seventh Circuit panel, consisting of Circuit Judges Sykes, St. Eve, and Maldonado, rejected each of these arguments in their unanimous decision. Circuit Judge St. Eve authored the opinion affirming Cui's conviction and sentence across all challenged issues.
The ruling represents another chapter in the ongoing federal investigation into Chicago political corruption that has ensnared numerous city officials over the years. Burke himself has faced separate federal charges related to his conduct as an alderman, reflecting broader patterns of corruption within Chicago's political establishment.
The case also highlights the intersection of real estate development and political influence in Chicago, where developers often must navigate complex regulatory processes that can significantly impact project viability and profitability. The requirement for various permits and approvals creates opportunities for corruption when developers face regulatory obstacles that threaten substantial financial investments.
Cui's conviction and the appellate court's affirmation send a clear message about federal enforcement priorities regarding public corruption. The Justice Department has made prosecuting bribery and corruption involving public officials a key focus, particularly in jurisdictions with histories of such misconduct.
Unless Cui seeks further appellate review through a petition for certiorari to the Supreme Court, the Seventh Circuit's decision will stand as final. Such petitions are rarely granted, making it likely that Cui will serve his 32-month federal prison sentence. The case serves as a cautionary tale for developers and public officials about the serious federal consequences of attempting to circumvent legitimate regulatory processes through corrupt means.