Two alleged members of the Bloods gang are facing serious charges after a long-term investigation revealed their involvement in an illegal gun trafficking operation in Suffolk County.
The accusations & investigation
Caciem Kruer, 26, of Farmingville, and Abdul Muhammad, 23, of Bay Shore, are accused of selling multiple firearms, including pistols, assault rifles, and high-capacity magazines, to an undercover detective between February and March 2024.
The investigation, led by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office in collaboration with the Suffolk County Police Department, focused on the pair’s alleged activities as members of the “Hit Squad Brims,” a violent subset of the Bloods street gang. According to the authorities, Kruer and Muhammad allegedly sold the undercover detective four loaded pistols, one revolver, two assault rifles, and several rounds of ammunition. The weapons included three firearms reportedly purchased in the southern United States and transported to Suffolk County. Many of the guns had their serial numbers defaced, making it impossible to trace their origins.
To build their case, investigators employed various techniques, including search warrants, audio and video recordings, and physical surveillance. The evidence gathered culminated in a 39-count indictment against the two men.
Additional information from the indictment and bail application from the Suffolk County DA’s office
The indictment against Caciem Kruer and Abdul Muhammad reveals an extensive gun trafficking operation involving the sale of multiple firearms, high-capacity magazines, and ammunition to an undercover detective over a series of transactions. The charges include 39 counts of violent felonies, reflecting the serious nature of their alleged crimes, and highlight the defendants’ connections to the Hit Squad Brims, a subset of the Bloods gang operating in Suffolk County.
Kruer and Muhammad allegedly conducted three major transactions with an undercover officer. On February 3, 2024, Kruer sold a Smith & Wesson .357 caliber revolver wrapped in a black towel. On February 12, 2024, they acted together to sell multiple firearms, including a Taurus 9 mm pistol, an Anderson .223 assault weapon, and an unserialized ghost gun, along with three large capacity magazines. Finally, on March 20, 2024, the pair sold a Kel-Tec 9 mm assault weapon and other firearms.
The investigation into their activities involved sophisticated law enforcement techniques, including undercover operations, surveillance, the execution of search warrants, and the monitoring of Kruer’s vehicle through GPS. Evidence collected included video and audio recordings of the transactions, as well as incriminating data from Muhammad’s iCloud account, such as photographs of the firearms and lists of prices.
Both defendants have significant criminal histories. Kruer, previously convicted of Petit Larceny and Torturing or Abandoning Animals, faces more than 50 years of imprisonment for the current charges. He has a history of failing to appear in court and is considered a substantial flight risk due to his out-of-state connections and ability to illegally acquire money. The court has set a substantial bail amount for Kruer, recognizing the seriousness of the charges.
Muhammad, currently on parole for a previous weapons charge, faces up to 50 years of imprisonment. His prior convictions include Criminal Possession of a Weapon and violations of probation. Muhammad’s involvement in these crimes while on parole further underscores his disregard for the law, and the court has similarly imposed a high bail to ensure his appearance at trial.
The indictment portrays Kruer and Muhammad as dangerous individuals engaged in illegal gun trafficking with connections to violent street gangs, posing significant risks to the community. The substantial sentences they face reflect the severity of their alleged offenses, as well as the determination of law enforcement to dismantle gun trafficking operations in Suffolk County.
Arraignment & next court date
On August 21, 2024, both Kruer and Muhammad were arraigned before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski. Kruer faces two counts of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree, along with several other charges, including multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second and Third Degrees. Muhammad faces similar charges. Each defendant is held on $1,000,000 cash bail, with bond options set at $2,000,000 or a $10,000,000 partially secured bond.
If convicted, both men could face up to 25 years in prison. Kruer is scheduled to appear in court again on September 23, 2024, while Muhammad’s next court date is set for September 30, 2024.
