Gang sentenced after pleading guilty in million bank fraud scheme based in the Bronx.

Eight members of a Bronx crime syndicate known as the “Shiesty 66” were sentenced for their involvement in a large-scale bank fraud operation that generated over million in illicit profits. This information was announced by Bronx prosecutors on Tuesday, following the criminals’ guilty pleas.

The individuals who operated within the Shiesty 66 gang lavishly spent their gains on luxury items, including high-end vehicles, designer jewelry, and extravagant vacations. Sentences for the gang members ranged from one to six years in prison, with some sentenced to pay restitution amounts reaching ,000. Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark noted the severity of the crimes and the coordinated efforts of law enforcement in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The fraudulent activities took place from April 28, 2022, through September 11, 2023, and extended across the tri-state area and the West Coast. Authorities from several agencies, including the US Postal Inspection Service, US Secret Service, and the NYPD, collaborated in the investigation. Evidence revealed that the defendants skillfully manipulated vulnerabilities in the banking system to execute their scheme.

One method involved the recruitment of social media users who unwittingly shared their debit card details. Perpetrators then deposited fraudulent checks into the accomplices’ accounts, enabling them to withdraw cash from ATMs. Following this, the cardholders received compensation for their cooperation while being instructed to report their cards as stolen.

The gang also exploited vulnerable populations, including homeless individuals and those battling substance abuse disorders. In a notable incident, gang member Moussa Cisse allegedly recruited a woman from the street to open a bank account with a fraudulent check. After raising suspicion, he fled the scene, leaving the woman and her children behind.

Cisse pleaded guilty to enterprise corruption on April 21 and received a sentence of two to six years along with a ,000 restitution order. Meanwhile, another gang member, Souleman Traore, attempted to execute a similar scheme using a forged identity tied to a deceased victim. After a bank teller became wary, Traore evaded capture, but investigators ultimately connected him and his twin brother, Lahaji Traore, to the incident.

Souleman Traore received a two to six-year sentence and was ordered to pay ,000 in restitution, while Lahaji Traore was sentenced to one year in prison and must pay ,000 for possession of stolen property and forgery charges.

In addition to their extravagant spending, the gang members frequently showcased their illicit gains on social media, posting images featuring luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Cartier, alongside vacations to high-profile destinations like Miami, Kuwait, and Paris. Prosecutors reported that the gang’s criminal activities impacted hundreds of victims, with law enforcement only managing to recover some stolen funds.

District Attorney Clark highlighted the alarming nature of the fraud, emphasizing that over a 16-month period, these individuals exploited hard-working citizens and manipulated vulnerable associates for their financial schemes. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies, the Shiesty 66’s criminal activities have been effectively curtailed.