The person at the center of this case
Armando Vargas (fugitive)
Cold Case · Open
19 years waiting · since 2006
ARMANDO VARGAS
Justice for Armando Vargas (fugitive) — the trail went cold in 2006, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1Where is Armando Vargas currently located and is he still in contact with family members?
👤
person
Lead #2What is the current status and location of Vargas's wife and young son who may be traveling with him?
🔍
evidence
Lead #3What specific role did Vargas play in the drug trafficking and money laundering enterprise?
Armando Vargas was charged federally in October 2006 with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and aiding and abetting as part of a major drug trafficking and money laundering investigation in the Chicago area between 2004 and 2006. Vargas fled before arrest and remains a fugitive for nearly two decades. He may be traveling with his wife and young son, making his whereabouts and current status unknown.
Case
#669
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
💡
clue
Lead #4Were there any confirmed sightings or communications from Vargas after the arrest warrant was issued in 2006?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substance; Aiding and Abetting Caution: Between April and December of 2004, the FBI, along with numerous local, state, and federal agencies, conducted an extensive investigation targeting an illegal drug trafficking and money laundering enterprise in the Chicago area. Of the 23 individuals charged as a result of this investigation, a handful of fugitives remain, including Armando Vargas.
An arrest warrant was issued on October 3, 2006, by the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, after Vargas was charged federally with conspiring to distribute a controlled substance and aiding and abetting. Remarks: Vargas may be in the company of his wife and baby boy.
Timeline of Events
🕵️
2004-04-01
Investigation Begins
FBI and local, state, and federal agencies begin extensive investigation into illegal drug trafficking and money laundering enterprise in Chicago area
📋
2006-10-03
Arrest Warrant Issued
Armando Vargas charged federally with conspiracy to distribute controlled substance and aiding and abetting; warrant issued by United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:April 1, 2004
Last Updated:May 12, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:April 1, 2004
Last Updated:May 12, 2026