The criminal known as Polar Vortex specialized in illegal narcotics. He was slender man with light hair. He preferred a cold environment. He had been a part of the Russian mafia before relocating to the United States.
Polar Vortex began selling narcotics in Dick Tracy's city, hoping to become connected with the Apparatus and expand his criminal activities. He plotted to abduct Crystal Bribery, the niece of the underworld kingpin Mr. Bribery, as a way to gain influence. This plan fell apart when Vortex's henchman Pauly went rogue. Vortex was able to avoid arrest.
Vortex then shifted his attention to a confidence scheme involving an unclaimed inheritance. While this scheme was unfolding, the remains of Vortex's drug-selling operation were arrested by police. Vortex was connected to these activities by the police and was arrested after a brief stand-off with Dick Tracy.