Matthew Cox | Inside True Crime Podcast Inside the Mind of America’s Most Notorious Car Thief | Skinny Keem
Jan 7, 2026
Skinny Keem, a Philadelphia-based car thief turned storyteller, shares his riveting journey from a life of crime to personal redemption. He discusses his early brushes with theft and street life, joining a car theft crew, and brokering deals for stolen luxury vehicles overseas. He reveals the intricacies of his operations, including methods to avoid detection and his interactions with high-profile buyers. From narrow escapes to Hollywood interest, Keem's story highlights the thrill and danger of a criminal enterprise—offering a glimpse into the mind of a notorious thief.
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Early Theft Sparked A Life Path
- Skinny Keem describes stealing small items as a child and getting caught at age seven.
- That early theft escalated into a pattern that later led him into organized car theft rings.
Prison Release Reignited The Hustle
- After jail in 2006 for an old drug warrant, Skinny Keem re-entered the streets and sought a car to fit in.
- He began buying and riding stolen cars, which sparked his deeper involvement in the auto theft trade.
From Broker To Middleman
- Skinny Keem met a connect who requested Range Rovers and foreign luxury vehicles for overseas buyers.
- He began brokering deals, initially charging $2,500 and pocketing fees while recruiting thieves to steal cars.
