Among the arrested is the gang's Milwaukee leader, Yang Lor. Fellow Milwaukee "Menace of Destruction" members Chin Xiong and Chee Vang were also arrested.
According to federal court records, "Menace of Destruction" is also called "Masters of Destruction." The records say the gang started in California in 1988 when a gang called "Peace MOD" splintered into several groups.
Another of those splinter groups is the "Asian Crips" who are considered an enemy of "Menace of Destruction" and also operate in Milwaukee. Violence between the groups has been blamed for many shootings and other crimes in Wisconsin.
A federal criminal complaint charging people for being involved with "Menace of Destruction" says the group is involved in violence and is "also involved in methamphetamine and ecstasy sales to support the gang and the gang members."
The document says the gang also wants to "promote solidarity within the gang and status within the Hmong community both locally and throughout the United States."
As part of the Milwaukee bust, several suburban residents were arrested for their alleged roles in selling "Menace of Destruction" drugs. Those arrested include Dylan Black of Germantown (who was arrested at Sussex-Hamilton High School), Pahoua Vang of Waukesha, and Kevin Kutschera who was arrested in West Allis and has ties to New Berlin.
A total of 17 people were indicted. Suspects were also arrested in the Appleton area, in Eau Claire, and in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota.