HARRISBURG — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced charges against seven members of the “Six Figure Boys,” a Pittsburgh-based retail theft and firearms trafficking ring, including a pawn shop owner who allegedly bought and re-sold stolen items from the heists.
The charges result from collaborative investigation between the Office of Attorney General, local police departments, and a presentment from the 51st Statewide Investigating Grand Jury.
Investigators tracked digital communications, used surveillance and undercover operations, and other tactics to reveal Osman Muya, a Pittsburgh pawn shop owner, was allegedly buying and reselling the stolen items, and was commonly referred to as “boss” by group members.
During the investigation, police recovered at least eight firearms — believed to be straw purchased or transferred illegally — and more than $120,000 cash from Muya, along with stolen items in new packaging/condition, such as Apple iPhones, other electronics, and lawnmowers.
“Stopping this elaborate illegal trafficking network was the product of great law enforcement collaboration steered by our Organized Crime Section,” Attorney General Henry said. “We also commend the grand jurors who, for many months, listened to testimony about how these group members were at the top of the chain, planning and executing theft jobs, then moving the stolen products to fences.”
Muya, 46, is charged with felony counts of corrupt organizations, organized retail theft, conspiracy, and related offenses.
Also charged are: Rami Hamdan-Toto, Alhassane Barry, Viane Hakizimam, Trey Da’Quan Carlock Bell, Mukamba Adelin, and Rimon Toto. Each is charged with conspiracy and other offenses for their respective roles.
Rami Hamdan-Toto, 23, was allegedly at the top of the network and gave directives to other members. In addition to corrupt organizations and theft-related crimes, he is charged regarding illegal transfer of firearms.
Barry, 25, is also charged regarding the illegal transfer of firearms.
A district judge arraigned Muya, Hamdan-Toto, and Barry on Friday and did not give bail to the defendants, who were deemed a “threat to the community.”
Bell and Hakizimam are not in custody.
Group members were based in the Northview Heights neighborhood of Pittsburgh.
Communications between group members showed they targeted high-ticket items, such as Apple products and lawnmowers, and committed the heists at stores that did not actively pursue shoplifters and at locations where security was light.
The case will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General’s Organized Crime Section. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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