Operation Gremlin

  • Early 2010s

    Early 2010s
    The FBI started focusing on the Broadway Gangster Crips, a violent gang involved in drug trafficking and other serious crimes in Los Angeles. This gang operated heavily around Skid Row, a vulnerable area with many potential victims that was located downtown los angles. The gang’s activities, including violence and drug sales, had a severe impact on the local community
  • Planning Phase

    Planning Phase
    Law enforcement agencies created “Operation Gremlin Riderz,” assigning undercover agents to adopt aliases to integrate into the gang’s ranks. This phase took careful planning because the agents’ safety and success depended on maintaining their disguises and gathering evidence without getting exposed.
  • Gathering Evidence

    Gathering Evidence
    Undercover officers collected critical intelligence, mapping the gang’s structure and identifying its main members. They documented crimes, tracked drug operations, and gathered evidence on violent incidents tied to the gang. This evidence was crucial to building a strong case.
  • The Raid

    The Raid
    A raid happened in June 2014, resulting in the arrest of 50 gang members. The indictments included 72 individuals charged with crimes such as drug trafficking, racketeering, and murder. This successful raid dealt a significant blow to the Broadway Gangster Crips, weakening their influence in Los Angeles.
  • Ensuring Stability

    Ensuring Stability
    After the operation, law enforcement focused on maintaining peace in the community to prevent other gangs from moving into the now-vacated territory. Police patrols increased, and local leaders engaged with the community to restore a sense of safety. The End.