Eight alleged members and associates of the notorious “Shiesty 66” gang have been indicted for their roles in a sophisticated bank fraud scheme that reportedly netted over $10 million, Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced last week.
The defendants, now facing charges that include enterprise corruption, grand larceny and forgery are accused of orchestrating a web of financial crimes, flaunting their stolen wealth on social media and living extravagant lifestyles fueled by illegal gains.
The defendants allegedly exploited vulnerable individuals to gain access to their bank accounts, engaged in check fraud, and manipulated the banking system to line their pockets.
Seven of the defendants are from the Bronx, including: Lahaji Traore, 24, Amadou Balde, 24, Moussa Cisse, 23, Abubacarr Daffeh, 25, Seth Young, 25, Keon Gulley, 31, and Sekou Kaloka, 29. Meanwhile, Souleman Traore, AKA Solo, 24, is from New Rochelle.
Between April 2022 and September 2023, authorities claim the defendants participated in “card cracking” schemes, recruited people through social media to provide their debit card information, deposited fraudulent checks, withdrew cash from ATMs, and paid off the recruits with a small portion of the stolen money.
At the heart of the investigation, which began in November 2021, is the group’s alleged attempt to steal $12.6 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds meant for Mount Sinai Medical Center.
This heist, along with others, reportedly allowed the gang to spend lavishly on luxury goods from brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Cartier, Burberry, Rolex, and Audemars Piguet. Authorities allege that the defendants also used the stolen money to fund extravagant vacations, chartering yachts in cities like Paris, Miami, and even Kuwait.
Clark emphasized the calculated and deceptive nature of the defendants’ actions: “The defendants allegedly conspired to steal millions of dollars [and] spent the money as quickly as they stole it, on luxury items.”
The group’s brazen lifestyle caught the attention of authorities when reports of shots fired near East 166th Street and Sheridan Avenue in November 2021 led to an investigation that revealed the gang’s social media profiles, where they allegedly showcased their wealth and criminal activities. According to investigators, the gang used the fraudulent funds to build a glamorous image online, parading their newfound wealth to followers.
NYPD Interim Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon stated, “We are committed to identifying and investigating alleged gang members and ending the illegal schemes used to fund their criminal activities, as highlighted by this indictment.”
He reinforced the seriousness of the charges, noting that the defendants’ financial crimes went beyond theft—they had direct consequences for their victims, especially those affected by the theft of federal relief funds.
All eight defendants have been arraigned before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Margaret Clancy. Bail was set for six defendants, while two were remanded without bail. They are due back in court on Nov. 19.
