The Van Dyke Money Gang in New York made off with more than $1.5 million this year -- but it wasn't in gunpoint robberies or drug running, it was a Western Union money order scheme. In New Jersey, 111 Neighborhood Crips used a machine to make dozens of fake gift cards for supermarkets, pharmacies and hardware stores. In South Florida, gangs steal identities to file false tax returns.
Officials say 14 members of an Elizabeth-based street gang face a 49-count indictment for white-collar crimes under New Jersey's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute.
Law enforcement officials from coast to coast say street gangs are shying away from wearing their colors and are covering up or even altering their tattoos to avoid detection by police.
An international street gang with ties to New Jersey was delivered a big blow this week. On Thursday, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Paul Fishman announced charges for a dozen top-ranking members of Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13.