Federal prosecutors have charged 26 individuals tied to Rhode Island street gangs, alleging they ran a decade-long criminal enterprise responsible for murder, drug trafficking, and widespread financial fraud.

Charges and Investigation

First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda, alongside local and federal law enforcement leaders, announced a federal indictment against 26 individuals. The charges target a sprawling criminal enterprise allegedly made up of the East Side gang, the Congress gang, and several of their subsets and associates.

According to court documents, this group operated across Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls for more than ten years, dating back to at least 2013. Prosecutors state that the members worked together to advance the organization’s interests through a mix of street violence, drug dealing, and financial fraud.

Financial Scams and National Implications

Beyond violent crime and drug sales, the enterprise allegedly ran sophisticated financial scams. The indictment claims members stole money from public assistance programs, including unemployment insurance, COVID-19 relief funds, and fraudulent tax filings.

This aspect of the prosecution aligns with a broader federal push. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. This division supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort aimed at clearing out fraud, waste, and abuse within federal benefit programs.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.