Members of Violent, Multistate Car Theft Ring Indicted for Stealing or Receiving More Than 40 Vehicles

Three Defendants are Already Charged in Philadelphia with Homicide of Police Officer and Assault of Another Officer

CAMDEN – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) today announced the indictment of 13 people on first-degree racketeering and other charges in connection with a car theft ring operating out of Camden, New Jersey.

Alex Vargas, 27, of Camden, and his brother Alexi Vargas, 24, of Pennsauken, allegedly led the criminal enterprise, which coordinated the theft of motor vehicles in multiple counties across New Jersey, as well as in neighboring states. The brothers and members of the enterprise have been charged with racketeering and other charges, including promoting organized street crime, conspiracy, theft charges, and weapons offenses

“The charges we’re announcing today describe an organized criminal operation that was both sophisticated and dangerous,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Three of the defendants in this group are charged in Philadelphia for allegedly killing one police officer and assaulting another. Taking down this ring is part of our constant efforts to keep the public safe.”

“These defendants allegedly had specific vehicles that they targeted for theft, and a plan to find them, steal them, and change the paperwork to make them ready for sale,” said DCJ Director Theresa L Hilton. “Criminals will always find new ways to make an illegal profit, and our office and our law enforcement partners will be there to stop them.”

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