NEW JERSEY — Thirteen people have been indicted on racketeering and related charges for allegedly participating in a violent, organized car theft ring accused of stealing or receiving at least 41 vehicles across New Jersey and neighboring states, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced.
Authorities say the Camden-based enterprise, allegedly led by brothers Alex Vargas, 27, of Camden, and Alexi Vargas, 24, of Pennsauken, targeted high-value vehicles from dealerships and parking lots in seven New Jersey counties — Burlington, Somerset, Bergen, Union, Mercer, Essex, and Camden — as well as Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware.
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“The charges we’re announcing today describe an organized criminal operation that was both sophisticated and dangerous,” Platkin said. “Three of the defendants in this group are charged in Philadelphia for allegedly killing a police officer and assaulting another. Taking down this ring is part of our constant efforts to keep the public safe.”
Theft Operations
Between July 1, 2021, and January 4, 2024, the group allegedly stole Jeep Grand Cherokees, Dodge Chargers, Dodge Durangos, and Ram Trucks. Authorities said they frequently hit multiple vehicles at once using a consistent method: breaking rear windows, reprogramming keys, and transporting the vehicles to Camden County.
The stolen cars were then fraudulently rebranded with fake Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) and temporary New Jersey registrations before being sold through social media and text messaging. Prosecutors allege the ring also relied on violence, firearms, and intimidation tactics to protect its operations and deter interference.
Leadership and Roles
The indictment details the roles of key members:
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Alex & Alexi Vargas — Leaders who coordinated targeting and theft operations
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Albert Santana-Fernandez — Managed lower-level participants
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Theft Crews — Carried out the vehicle thefts
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Lewys Santana-Pichardo — Allegedly created new VINs
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Jimmy Marte-Toledo — Produced fraudulent registrations, allegedly using a relative’s business
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Fencers — Sold vehicles using falsified documentation
Violent Incidents and Officer Killing
The indictment is linked to multiple violent crimes. On October 12, 2023, four defendants — Franklyn Rodriguez-Santana, Yobranny Martinez-Fernandez, Alexander Batista-Polanco, and Hendrick Pena-Fernandez — were allegedly involved in the fatal shooting of Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Mendez and the assault of Officer Raul Ortiz. They were previously charged in Philadelphia and now face additional conspiracy charges tied to auto theft.
In a separate incident on September 13, 2023, Alexi Vargas allegedly committed a non-fatal shooting in Winslow Township, Camden County. Authorities said members of the enterprise routinely carried firearms to commit assaults and intimidate rivals.
Charges and Penalties
Defendants face charges including racketeering, conspiracy, organized street crime, theft, and weapons offenses. Potential penalties include:
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First-degree offenses — 10 to 20 years in prison; fines up to $200,000
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Second-degree offenses — 5 to 10 years; fines up to $150,000
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Third-degree offenses — 3 to 5 years; fines up to $15,000
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Fourth-degree offenses — Up to 18 months; fines up to $10,000
Investigation and Prosecution
The investigation was led by the New Jersey State Police, Division of Criminal Justice, and Camden County Metro Police Department, with assistance from multiple agencies, including the Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, and others.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General David Ringlaben, under the supervision of Deputy Chief Veronica Daddario and Bureau Chief Cassandra Montalto, with support from Deputy Attorneys General Joseph Giordano and Evgeniya Sitnikova.
Attorney General Platkin highlighted the connection between organized auto theft and gun violence, noting that shooting incidents in New Jersey are down over 25% compared to 2024, with fatal shootings reduced by more than 35% so far in 2025.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
