Home Crime Gang and Organized Crime Members Arrested in NY

Gang and Organized Crime Members Arrested in NY

Gang and Organized Crime Members Arrested in NY

Gang and Organized Crime Members Arrested in NY

In November 2012, a major bust in New York City led to the arrest of over 100 alleged gang and organized crime members. The joint operation by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies targeted individuals involved in numerous crimes, including drug trafficking, extortion, and murder. This significant event highlights the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts in combating organized crime.

The Bust

On November 27th, 2012, hundreds of law enforcement officers carried out the operation, resulting in the arrest of over 100 individuals in the New York City area. The investigation, known as the “Operation Crew Cut,” targeted several violent gangs and organized crime outfits, including the Bloods, Crips, Latin Kings, and La Cosa Nostra.

The Charges

The individuals arrested faced a variety of charges, including drug trafficking, racketeering, extortion, robbery, and murder. Many of those apprehended were known to law enforcement already, having been involved in previous criminal activities. The operation also resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of drugs and firearms.

The Importance of Coordinated Efforts

The “Operation Crew Cut” was an example of the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts in combating organized crime. Federal agencies, such as the FBI, worked in cooperation with state and local law enforcement agencies in order to bring charges against the individuals involved in these criminal activities. Through their combined efforts, the investigation was able to successfully disrupt numerous criminal operations and bring those responsible to justice.

The Impact

The impact of this bust was significant. The arrests made during the operation disrupted criminal activities and prevented further illegal acts from being carried out. It also served as a warning to those involved in organized crime that law enforcement is dedicated to stopping their illegal activities.

The Importance of Continued Action

Despite this successful bust, organized crime and gang activity continue to be major issues worldwide. It is important for law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and continue to take action against those involved in organized crime. The cooperation and coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies shown during the “Operation Crew Cut” must continue in order to keep communities safe and bring justice to those affected by organized crime.

Conclusion

The “Operation Crew Cut” bust of November 2012 was a significant event in the fight against organized crime and gang activity. The coordinated efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies led to the arrest of over 100 individuals involved in numerous crimes. This successful operation highlights the importance of continued action against organized crime and the need for continued cooperation between law enforcement agencies. By doing so, communities can be made safer and justice can be served.


On November 27, 2012, the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York announced that James Ferrara, Daniel Hanley, and Peter Kanakis were arrested for “extortionate extension of credit, extortionate collection of credit, and conspiracy to do the same.”  All of the men have their arraignments today in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Viktor V. Pohorelsky.

According to the indictment, Ferrara is associated with the La Cosa Nostra organized crime family.  Hanley is a member of the Westies street gang, and Kanakis is part of the Demon Knights motorcycle gang—a branch of Hells Angels.

So far, the gang and organized crime members are charged with obtaining loansharking debts from two victims and using threats of violence and firearms.  In one case, one of the victims could not repay their debt and he was threatened with a baseball bay and brass knuckles.  In another case, the driver of a car matching Kanakis’ car description shot at victim as they were getting in their car on their way to work.

U.S. Attorney Loretta E. Lynch stated: “Allegedly members of three different organized crime enterprises, these defendants nevertheless banded together and spoke the same language of violence, threats, and intimidation to their victims.  Such tactics will always be met with the full force of the law.”

Mary E. Galligan, the FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge, stated: “If you default on a loan from a financial institution, you may lose property pledged as collateral.  If you borrowed from these alleged gangsters, you risked losing life and limb.  The FBI continues to target loansharking and associated criminal activity that remain lucrative for organized crime.”

All three of the defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment for each charge.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Vamshi Reddy is in charge of prosecution.

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation