How feds took down a Detroit gang linked to COVID pandemic relief fraud

DETROIT – Felony gangs in Detroit have a fame for road violence, however one gang tried shifting its crimes from the streets to the web.

That was till one alleged gang member’s flashy bling, amongst different issues, obtained them busted. A photograph reveals Brandon Bowditch cashing out stolen COVID reduction cash at an ATM, in accordance with federal brokers.

Bowditch was carrying a “fortunate” four-leaf clover pendant. Investigators consider the pendant the 31-year-old Detroit gang member was carrying was paid for with stolen COVID reduction cash.

“Gangs in Detroit are gonna go the place the cash is,” Detroit Crime Fee Govt Director Andy Enviornment mentioned.

Federal investigators mentioned a road gang referred to as “Don’t Fear About It” used the web to steal almost half one million {dollars} in COVID reduction cash from all around the nation.

Learn: Feds: Dearborn Heights man buys seaside apartment with COVID reduction cash; spouse runs $10.6M pharmacy scheme

How investigators say the rip-off went down

Federal investigators mentioned gang members used stolen identities of actual Individuals, went on-line and utilized for COVID pandemic unemployment insurance coverage in no less than eight states.

These states embody Michigan, Arizona, California, Hawaii and even in U.S. territory Guam.

Profit cash, within the type of debit playing cards, was mailed to the gang members’ Detroit houses. The playing cards had been then cashed out at space ATMs.

“Actually the unemployment insurance coverage system had various methods for these guys to steal cash,” Enviornment mentioned.

Enviornment is a former FBI agent and mentioned the case doesn’t shock him in any respect.

“However they get caught. They’re not as sensible because the system,” Enviornment mentioned.

In line with courtroom paperwork, the gang used the identical Detroit telephone numbers and addresses for unemployment profit cash in a number of states. Federal officers mentioned that led to the bust of Bowditch.

Bowditch is presently out on bond dealing with mail fraud and wire fraud.

You possibly can view a PDF of the prison grievance beneath:

Have a case you’d like us to look into? Attain the Native 4 investigative workforce at 313-962-9348, or e mail Karen Drew at kdrew@wdiv.com.