Thirteen people have been indicted on first-degree racketeering and other charges in connection with a car theft ring based in Camden, New Jersey. The group is accused of stealing or receiving more than 40 vehicles from various counties across New Jersey as well as neighboring states.
Alex Vargas, 27, of Camden, and his brother Alexi Vargas, 24, of Pennsauken, are alleged to have led the criminal enterprise. Authorities say the organization targeted specific high-value vehicles such as Jeep Grand Cherokees, Dodge Chargers and Durangos, and Ram Trucks. According to the indictment, theft crews often worked in groups of four to six members and stole multiple vehicles at once. Over half of the stolen vehicles were taken from Pennsylvania.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said, “The charges we’re announcing today describe an organized criminal operation that was both sophisticated and dangerous. 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.”
DCJ Director Theresa L Hilton commented, “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. 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.”
Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police added, “The indictment of these 13 individuals sends a clear message – organized car theft will not be tolerated. These criminal enterprises don’t just steal vehicles; they endanger public safety, fuel violence, and destabilize our communities. This outcome reflects the dedication and collaboration of our law enforcement partners, and together we remain steadfast in pursuing justice with zero tolerance for those who profit from crime.”
Between July 1, 2021 and January 4, 2024, participants in the enterprise coordinated vehicle thefts from car dealerships and airport parking lots in Camden County as well as Burlington, Somerset, Bergen, Union, Mercer and Essex counties. The stolen cars were transported back to Camden County where they were advertised for sale through social media or text messaging.
Authorities allege that enterprise members played different roles including identifying targets for thefts; using tools like screwdrivers or bolt cutters to break into vehicles; using key re-programmers; creating fraudulent Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) or registrations; managing lower-level members; selling stolen cars with false documentation; and possessing firearms during crimes.
Some members reportedly used weapons against anyone interfering with their activities—including law enforcement officers. Violent acts cited include a September 2023 shooting in Winslow Township by Alexi Vargas as well as the October 2023 homicide of Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Mendez by three other group members.
According to data reported by the New Jersey State Police (https://www.njsp.org/), shooting incidents statewide have dropped more than 25 percent through August compared to last year while fatal shootings are down over 35 percent so far in 2025.
Multiple agencies contributed to this investigation including local police departments across New Jersey and Pennsylvania along with several prosecutor’s offices.
Those convicted on first-degree charges could face up to two decades in prison plus significant fines; lesser offenses carry shorter sentences but still involve substantial penalties.
The case was investigated by Detective Michael Murtha (Camden County Metro Police Department) and Detective Jessica Marcacci (New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice). Prosecution is being handled by Deputy Attorney General David Ringlaben under supervision from senior officials within the Division of Criminal Justice.
