DHS Conducts Major Sting Operation Against Rival Los Angeles Gangs

In a coordinated pre-dawn raid in Los Angeles on Tuesday, law enforcement arrested twelve wanted criminals in a dramatic sting operation led by the Department of Homeland Security. This operation represents a significant effort to combat organized crime and gang violence in the region.

The arrests were the result of a nearly two-year investigation named Operation Supper’s Ready. This operation targeted rival gangs that, according to U.S. officials, have been exploiting communities and engaging in violent crime across the United States.

Charges and Criminal Activities

Some suspects face serious charges, including attempted murder, kidnapping, and fraud. Court documents reveal one scheme that reportedly stole $83 million worth of Amazon goods.

Bill Essayli, the United States Attorney for the Central District of California, stated, “What you’re seeing now is part of the Administration’s priorities. We’re going after transnational criminal organizations and, most importantly, violent and organized crime to cleanse our neighborhoods of dangerous individuals.”

Transnational Gang Networks

The gangs implicated in the sting are primarily Armenian-led but consist of members born in various countries, including Iran and Azerbaijan. These organized crime groups maintain connections to the Mexican mafia and have engaged in violent acts, including hiring an assassin who shot two people as part of a murder-for-hire plot.

Essayli remarked, “This has been going on for years. This particular gang has been terrorizing our communities.” The urgency to tackle these organizations is becoming more and more apparent as these gangs have increasingly resorted to violence.

A Glimpse into the Operation

Exclusive access granted to Fox News allowed for coverage of the sting, showcasing DHS’s fully armored search-and-arrest operation targeting one suspect’s home in an affluent Los Angeles neighborhood. Luxury SUVs were observed parked outside, highlighting the high stakes involved.

Areg Bezik is among those charged, accused of establishing fake delivery companies that collected tens of millions of dollars in Amazon products, ranging from appliances to beauty items. Authorities suggest he delivered these goods to his warehouse to store or resell.

Essayli explained, “This individual is here on a visa and has engaged in a vast amount of illegal activity. If he’s convicted, he will face removal from the country.”

Leadership in the Underworld

Among those detained were the alleged leaders of two rival gangs, the Amiryan Organized Crime Group and the Artuni Enterprise. Both gangs are engaged in a power struggle that spans Los Angeles and Florida, where one arrest also occurred during the operation.

These rival gangs are accused of terrorizing neighborhoods, with documented instances of shootings and even the kidnapping and torture of gang members, some of which was captured on video.

Heightened Tensions

The discord between gang members was palpable during the processing of arrests. Witnesses reported an altercation where two men, while in handcuffs, exchanged heated words, requiring intervention from law enforcement.

This operation underscores a committed effort to enhance community safety. Dwayne Angebrandt, Acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge of HSI Los Angeles, stated, “This is purely an operation that makes the community much safer. We want to send a message that such criminal activities will not be tolerated.”

Support from Leadership

DHS officials and Essayli informed reporters on-site that the Trump administration has facilitated a more robust approach to these types of operations. Enhanced strategies have enabled law enforcement to conduct arrests more efficiently.

Angebrandt noted, “We’ve been able to take a more aggressive stance against these criminals and target them at their residences.” This shift in approach signals a determined commitment to eradicating organized crime.

Seized Assets and Future Implications

During the extensive sting operation, authorities confiscated approximately $100,000 in cash, three armored vehicles, and fourteen firearms. Notably, one suspect remains at large. The prosecution of those arrested carries severe consequences, with potential sentences ranging from ten years to life in federal prison, along with deportation.

Essayli emphasized, “It’s a privilege to be within our country on a visa or temporary status. When individuals violate our laws, they will face prosecution, conviction, and removal.” This reinforces the importance of accountability for those who contravene immigration and law enforcement policies.

The Story Behind the Operation’s Name

Interestingly, the name Operation Supper’s Ready originated from a photograph that depicted some of the suspects enjoying a lavish, mob-style dinner. This ironic detail underscores the brazen nature of criminal activities that law enforcement is working tirelessly to dismantle.

As the investigation unfolds, it is clear that the impact of this operation extends beyond arrests. It aims to foster a safer environment for residents, making it evident that authorities are committed to confronting the challenges posed by organized crime head-on.