SCRANTON, Pa. — A criminal organization, referred to by authorities as the “fentanyl robbery gang,” has been implicated in a string of deadly robberies spanning from New Hampshire to Virginia, involving the illicit trade of narcotics and firearms, federal prosecutors disclosed on Friday. The gang reportedly utilized dating websites to lure individuals under the guise of prostitution, only to rob them subsequently of valuables including drugs, cash, and personal identification.
The U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Gerard Karam, outlined that the gang orchestrated these crimes by initially offering their victims drugs supposedly identified as cocaine, which unbeknownst to the victims, contained lethal doses of fentanyl. This tactic was employed to incapacitate the victims, thereby facilitating the robbery.
In scenarios where the drugs did not render the victims unconscious quickly enough, the gang resorted to more aggressive measures such as home invasions. During these invasions, the criminals, sometimes with the assistance of accomplices, would employ violence, threats, and even firearms to overpower the victims and seize their possessions.
The operations of this gang have been connected to four fatalities — three in Pennsylvania across Berks and Luzerne counties, and one in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. According to Karam, it is probable that there are additional victims who have yet to be identified.
Seven members of this gang have been formally charged with a range of serious offenses, including kidnapping, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy to distribute drugs. Moreover, charges specific to distributing fentanyl resulting in death and serious bodily injury have been levied, highlighting the lethal nature of their operations. Some of the accused have also been linked to various New York City-based gangs.
The coordination between multiple law enforcement entities was crucial in unveiling the activities of this gang. This extensive investigation drew upon resources from local, state, and county officials in both Pennsylvania and New Hampshire, as well as federal agencies including the FBI and the U.S. Marshal’s Service based in Scranton.
This case underscores a chilling blend of online deception, drug trafficking, and violent crime, reflecting broader national challenges posed by organized crime groups exploiting the opioid crisis. The occurrence of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, in recreational drug supplies has significantly heightened the stakes in drug-related crimes, often with fatal consequences.
The effort to dismantle such networks continues to be a high priority for law enforcement, as these groups not only perpetrate direct violence against individuals but also contribute broadly to the ongoing opioid epidemic affecting various communities across the United States.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, especially in online interactions, and are advocating for individuals to report suspicious behaviors that might suggest the presence of similar criminal operations. As the investigation proceeds, additional charges and arrests might be forthcoming as law enforcement works to fully neutralize the threat posed by this dangerous gang.