‘Honeybun Boyz’ fraud ring stole millions from victims, feds say

MIAMI — Dozens of people fell victim to an elaborate fraud ring, with some losing their life savings. Federal agents say the criminal network, called the “Honeybun Boyz,” made off with millions of dollars.

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A criminal complaint filed earlier in August reveals a $20 million criminal enterprise operating in South Florida.

The 29-page complaint says the FBI began investigating “money mule networks” last year.

Federal agents identified a group called the Honeybun Boyz.

The complaint describes the group as a major metropolitan criminal enterprise made up of financial fraudsters who flaunt $100,000 bankrolls tied to account takeovers that target vulnerable victims.

The term “honeybun” in certain circles means $100,000, a term also used by music artists like Pop Smoke.

The three-tiered network is made up of controllers, the bosses, handlers and mules who move the money.

Federal agents identified as many as 30 victims in South Florida, many of them elderly, including a widow who was convinced to withdraw $95,000 in cash.

The report says businesses were defrauded too. One victim was told the bank had a security breach.

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Through a phishing link, fraudsters allegedly obtained the victim’s login information for an American business bank, and a fraudulent wire transfer for $82,000 was initiated, according to investigators.

They said the fraudsters used phishing links, fake bank phone calls and stolen banking information to get the cash.

A conplaint obtained by Local 10 News on Wednesday lists luxury purchases the suspects allegedly made in April, with thousands spent on high-end goods at Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton and a high-end Miami watch store.

Two of the suspects are accused of using the money to purchase a home in Miami Lakes worth close to $1 million.

Twelve defendants are listed in the complaint. They face charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The report says Honeybun Boyz groups have also been identified in other major cities, including Los Angeles, Atlanta and New York.

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