Location: 900 block of Army Navy Drive, Arlington VA
Time: Approximately 12:48 p.m., May 19, 2026
A weeks-long investigation into a retail fraud scheme spanning Arlington County and neighboring jurisdictions has resulted in the arrest of three Falls Church residents.
Police were dispatched on May 19 to investigate a late-reported larceny involving a fraudulent merchandise return at a business in the 900 block of Army Navy Drive. Investigators learned that on April 24, a male suspect purchased merchandise from a store in the 6100 block of Arlington Boulevard in Falls Church. Three days later, on April 27, the same merchandise was allegedly returned at the Army Navy Drive location.
Store employees later discovered the returned merchandise had been damaged and was missing items, making it impossible to resell. The discovery prompted investigators to examine similar incidents occurring throughout the region.
During the investigation, detectives identified what they allege was an organized theft and fraud operation responsible for at least 29 related incidents across Arlington County and neighboring jurisdictions. Authorities say the scheme involved fraudulent purchases and returns that resulted in financial losses to multiple retailers.
Following the investigation, police located and arrested three suspects.
Alvaro Adrian Vargas Serrano, 27, of Falls Church, was charged with two counts of larceny under false pretenses, racketeering, and conspiracy to commit larceny.
Maria Asuncion Serrano Herbas, 49, of Falls Church, was charged with racketeering and conspiracy to commit larceny.
Mauro Vargas Serrano, 25, of Falls Church, was charged with racketeering, conspiracy to commit larceny, and larceny under false pretenses.
Police said additional charges from neighboring jurisdictions are pending as the investigation continues.