2 Men Arrested in Nationwide Car Theft Ring Targeting Denver Airport

Federal authorities have arrested two men accused of running a national car theft ring that targeted major U.S. airports, including Denver International Airport.

Sadiel Noa-Aguila, 42, of Pharr, Texas, and Miguel Baez-Echevarria, 36, of Las Vegas, face federal charges linked to the exportation of stolen vehicles, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas.

Investigators say the scheme involved breaking into vehicles, then using devices to either clone key fobs or electronically unlock the car, allowing thieves to drive away in just minutes. Once stolen, the cars were often equipped with hidden Apple Airtags for tracking and had their GPS systems disabled.

Authorities say the stolen vehicles were also fitted with fake license plates and “VIN swapped,” meaning the vehicle identification numbers were replaced with fictitious ones to avoid detection.

The suspects allegedly transported the vehicles across state lines or into Mexico, where they were sold. Denver police reported that at least five vehicles recovered near the U.S.-Mexico border in fall 2024 had been stolen from Denver International Airport. Four additional DIA thefts were uncovered during the investigation, with other stolen vehicles traced back to Las Vegas, Miami, and other large airports.

Prosecutors say each vehicle was intended for export to Mexico and carried the same fake Texas license plate.

Noa-Aguila was arrested in Pharr, Texas, while attempting to export a stolen vehicle from DIA through the port of entry. He allegedly admitted he was paid $500 to transport the car across the border.

Baez-Echevarria has been linked to the theft of at least 15 other vehicles. Authorities estimate the ring stole cars worth millions of dollars.

Both men are charged with aiding and abetting the exportation of stolen vehicles, a crime that carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Baez-Echevarria also faces a charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a potential 20-year sentence if convicted.

Their case will be heard in the U.S. Southern District Court of Texas.

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