PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — About a dozen members of an alleged Philadelphia gang — “SaySlide” — have been charged in connection with what prosecutors are calling a money laundering scheme.
Officials say 28-year-old William Logan was the ringleader. They say he bought arrow keys from the dark web to get into USPS mailboxes, targeting neighborhoods in Philadelphia, Willow Grove and Blue Bell. They then took checks from envelopes, altered them, and deposited them in the accounts of people they recruited through social media.
In total, they tried to net $1.2 million but because many of the checks were frozen or flagged for fraud, they raked in about $200,000. With that money, officials say gang members bought stolen guns and luxury items.
Authorities say the group also tried killing several people over gang retaliation or loyalties, including one man who was shot in the face. They are also accused of robbing at least one postal worker.
An investigating grand jury heard witness testimony, reviewed social media posts, watched surveillance video and sifted through bank and cell phone records before recommending charges.
Charges include corrupt organizations, conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated assault and armed robbery.
All the defendants are in custody and arraignments are ongoing.