A federal jury has convicted five Philadelphia men for their roles in a large-scale and violent carjacking operation that authorities say spread fear across multiple neighborhoods and surrounding communities.
The men — Mikal McCracken, Amin Muse, Aleem Abdul-Hakim, Dean Fosque and Kavon Coleman — were found guilty of participating in a criminal conspiracy that operated from October 2021 through October 2022. Prosecutors said the group was responsible for dozens of armed carjackings, with at least 29 incidents formally charged in court. Authorities believe the total number of thefts connected to the ring may reach approximately 60.
According to officials, the organization carried out coordinated gunpoint carjackings primarily in Southwest and Northeast Philadelphia. Investigators said several robberies occurred within a single night, demonstrating what they described as a highly organized and aggressive operation. Victims were allegedly assaulted, robbed of personal belongings and, in some cases, shot during the attacks. Stolen credit cards and financial information were later used in fraud schemes.
Law enforcement also linked the group to carjackings outside the city, including incidents in Yeadon, Millbourne, Lower Southampton and King of Prussia. Authorities said some stolen vehicles were reportedly shipped overseas for resale.
The conspiracy included charges of carjacking resulting in death, conspiracy and murder. One carjacking in February 2022 led to a fatal shooting. Prosecutors said McCracken, Muse and Abdul-Hakim, along with Jonathan Akubu, fatally shot a victim during the theft of a vehicle. After fleeing in the stolen car, investigators said the suspects realized they had not taken the vehicle’s key fob, which was required to continue operating it.
The group then contacted a locksmith to create a replacement key fob. However, police located the stolen vehicle shortly after. Authorities said the defendants feared that forensic evidence could connect them through the locksmith, whom they believed might cooperate with investigators. About a week later, the locksmith was shot and killed in what prosecutors described as an attempt to silence a potential witness.
Officials characterized the case as one of the most extensive violent carjacking prosecutions in recent years. Law enforcement agencies described the operation as calculated and coordinated, emphasizing that it showed a disregard for public safety and human life.
With the convictions now secured, authorities say the organized ring has been dismantled. Sentencing hearings are expected in the coming months, where the defendants could face substantial prison terms under federal law.
