BRONX, NY – Eight alleged members and associates of the “Shiesty 66” gang are facing serious charges after a sprawling investigation revealed a multi-million dollar fraud scheme, culminating in a brazen attempt to steal $12.6 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds. The indictment, unsealed today, details a network built on exploiting vulnerable individuals and a penchant for extravagant purchases.
The scheme, uncovered by the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, the NYPD, the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, allegedly ran from April 2022 to September 2023. It involved “card cracking,” check washing, and straight-up bank fraud. Gang members reportedly recruited people through social media, offering them small kickbacks in exchange for access to their debit card information. Phony checks were deposited, cash withdrawn, and the cards quickly reported stolen. The operation wasn’t limited to small-time scams, however.
According to investigators, the gang’s appetite for ill-gotten gains extended to attempting to pilfer a staggering $12.6 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The money, authorities say, was quickly funneled into luxury items – Rolls Royces, chartered yachts, high-end jewelry, and designer clothes. “They allegedly spent the money as quickly as they stole it, on luxury items,” stated Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark. The investigation initially stemmed from reports of shots fired near East 166th Street and Sheridan Avenue in November 2021, leading to the identification of the alleged Shiesty 66 crew.
“The Secret Service is proud to join with its law enforcement partners in announcing the indictment of these reputed gang members who, as alleged, thought nothing of planning exorbitant acts of fraud to fleece taxpayers in the name of personal gain,” said Patrick J. Freaney, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service New York Field Office. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service added that the gang conspired to steal checks from the mail worth millions, using the stolen funds to fuel their lavish lifestyles. “These stolen funds were allegedly used to support the defendants’ lavish lifestyles,” said Inspector in Charge Daniel B. Brubaker.
The defendants are facing a range of charges, including Enterprise Corruption, Grand Larceny, Forgery, and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. Six defendants were granted bail by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Margaret Clancy, while two were remanded. All are due back in court on November 19, 2024. The NYPD’s Interim Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon emphasized the department’s commitment to dismantling these types of criminal enterprises. “We are committed to identifying and investigating alleged gang members and ending the illegal schemes used to fund their criminal activities,” Donlon said.
This case highlights the growing threat of gang-related financial crimes and the exploitation of relief programs designed to help those in need. Law enforcement officials warn that they will continue to pursue these types of schemes aggressively, working across jurisdictions to bring perpetrators to justice and recover stolen funds. The brazen nature of the attempted COVID-19 relief theft underscores the lengths to which these criminals are willing to go for personal enrichment.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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