May 9, 2025
Queens, NY – In a significant victory against organized crime, a massive car theft ring operating across New York City and its suburbs has been dismantled. Following a meticulous three-year investigation dubbed “Operation Hellcat,” 20 individuals have been indicted on a staggering 373 counts, revealing a sophisticated enterprise responsible for stealing vehicles worth at least $4.6 million.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the indictments, highlighting the unprecedented scale and organization of the criminal network. “This is one of the most prolific and organized auto theft rings we have ever uncovered in New York City,” Katz stated, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of the Queens District Attorney’s Office, the NYPD, and the New York State Police.

How the Car Theft Ring Operated: Inside "Operation Hellcat"

The "Operation Hellcat" investigation unveiled a highly coordinated operation with distinct roles for its members:

• Theft Crew: These individuals were responsible for physically stealing the cars, often directly from driveways, sometimes with keys or key fobs left inside. They employed tactics to avoid detection, including disabling navigation systems, searching for tracking devices, and obscuring VINs or changing license plates. Scouts were even used to identify high-end vehicles to target.
• Social Media Brokers: Stolen vehicles were quickly advertised and sold through popular social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, reaching buyers across the New York City area. These brokers swiftly "flipped" cars at significantly below-market prices (ranging from $1,000 to $6,000).
• Black Market Dealers & Buyers: A network of black-market dealers, including individuals in Tennessee, purchased cars directly from the ring for resale, expanding the reach of their illicit operations.

Leader and Charges: Facing Serious Prison Time

Justin “Cupcake” Santiago, 33, of Ozone Park, Queens, has been identified as a key figure, described as a "mentor" within the evolving crew. Santiago is among 14 defendants charged with enterprise corruption, a Class B felony, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to 25 years.

In total, the defendants are charged with the larceny and criminal possession of 126 vehicles. Undercover officers played a crucial role in the investigation, purchasing 44 of these stolen vehicles.

Impact and Scope: Millions in Stolen Vehicles

The sheer volume and value of the stolen vehicles are striking. The ring primarily targeted:

• Acura (38)
• Honda (24)
• BMW (23)
• Dodge (20)
• Jeep (3)

The car thefts spanned across various locations, with a significant concentration in:

• Queens (52)
• Brooklyn (24)
• Nassau County (14)
• Bronx (10)
• Westchester County (10)
• Staten Island (9)
• Suffolk County (3)

Beyond vehicle theft, undercover operations also led to the purchase of three firearms, underscoring the broader criminal activities of the group.

Law Enforcement Praises Collaboration

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch lauded the indictments as a "major victory in dismantling a sophisticated car theft ring." Similarly, NYS Police Superintendent Steven James emphasized the critical role of "long-term, collaborative investigations" in combating such complex criminal enterprises that pose a serious threat to public safety across the tri-state area.

The success of "Operation Hellcat" is a testament to the dedication and expertise of law enforcement agencies working together to protect communities from organized crime. Investigations are ongoing, with several defendants already arraigned and others awaiting arraignment.