FBI urged to probe NYC’s seedy ‘Market of Sweethearts’

Queens activists are calling for FBI intervention in the criminal activities that have plagued Roosevelt Avenue, turning it into what they describe as a “gangland.” The activists, led by Rosa Sanchez and Democratic district leader Hiram Monserrate, have penned a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, urging an investigation into the foreign national crime syndicates operating in the area. They believe that these criminal enterprises, which include human trafficking, drug sales, and the distribution of fraudulent documents, pose a significant national security threat.

Sanchez and Monserrate argue that state and local laws are insufficient to address the scope of the problem, necessitating federal intervention. They commend previous efforts by the FBI and other agencies in prosecuting members of migrant gangs like the Tren de Aragua and the 18th Street gang. However, they stress that these gangs continue to operate with impunity in the community, extorting brothels, selling drugs, and engaging in other illicit activities to fund their operations.

Despite the NYPD’s efforts, which have led to over 500 prostitution-related arrests this year along what is known as “The Market of Sweethearts,” brothels continue to operate. The activists point out that many of these establishments are controlled by Chinese organized crime groups, specifically mentioning the Triads as being involved in sex trafficking.

The letter also highlights the continued sale of fraudulent documents by the 18th Street Gang members on Roosevelt Avenue, further emphasizing the need for federal intervention to combat organized crime by both Latino and Chinese foreign nationals. The activists have provided the FBI with suspected addresses of brothels in the area, hoping to aid in the crackdown on criminal activities.

Over the past year, reports have exposed the prevalence of crime, drug sales, and illegal vending along Roosevelt Avenue. Governor Kathy Hochul previously deployed state troopers to assist the NYPD in addressing the lawlessness in the area. The activists are now urging the FBI to take action to rid their community of modern slavery and dangerous criminal elements that operate openly on Roosevelt Avenue.