Operation Van Diesel: Florida Diesel Fuel Theft Ring Busted, $650K Stolen

Operation Van Diesel Uncovered

• 🔍 Operation Van Diesel was launched by the Hillsboro County Sheriff's Office to investigate a sophisticated diesel fuel theft ring.
• 🗓️ The investigation spanned six months and involved 13 counties across Florida.

Scale and Scope of Thefts

• ⛽ The ring is accused of stealing approximately 185,000 gallons of diesel fuel.
• 📍 The thefts targeted 70 gas stations, including major chains like RaceTrac and 7-Eleven, across multiple counties.
• 💰 The total estimated losses from these thefts amount to roughly $650,000.

Modus Operandi

• 🌃 The suspects operated primarily late at night, using vans to conceal makeshift tanks.
• 🛠️ They would park vans over underground diesel tanks, lower a pump, and steal up to 500 gallons of fuel within minutes.
• 💰 Stolen fuel was then sold at storage facilities for approximately $2 per gallon, significantly below the national average.

Arrests and Charges

• ⚖️ 10 out of 11 suspects have been taken into custody by the organized crime task force.
• 🚨 Seven of the arrested individuals are reported to be in the U.S. illegally.
• 📜 All suspects are expected to face RICO charges in Hillsboro County.
• 🔎 Authorities are still searching for one additional suspect.