TRENTON, N.J. — Luiz Vargas, alias ‘El Biggie,’ has been charged with firearms trafficking in Ocean County, New Jersey. The 25-year-old Maryland man was apprehended and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni on August 11, 2025, where he remained detained.
According to court documents, law enforcement began investigating Vargas in January 2025 for his involvement in bringing firearms into New Jersey from states like Texas and Maryland. Using an undercover source, authorities conducted four controlled purchases that yielded a total of eight guns: two semiautomatic rifles and six handguns. Two of the handguns were reported stolen out of Texas and Colorado, while the two rifles had no serial numbers or identifiable markings.
On at least one occasion, Vargas provided cocaine to the confidential source after failing to complete a firearm sale. It’s noteworthy that Vargas has never held a federal license to deal or manufacture firearms. The trafficking charge against him could result in up to 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba praised the FBI and other law enforcement agencies for their roles in the investigation. Agencies involved included the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, various New Jersey police departments, and more.
The government’s case is led by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick. It’s important to remember that Vargas is presumed innocent until proven guilty. His defense counsel is Andrea Aldana, Esq., from the Federal Public Defenders.
RELATED: “El Biggie” Vargas Trafficked Guns into Jersey
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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