Operation Van Diesel: Florida Fuel Theft Ring with $650K Loss Dismantled

"Operation Van Diesel" Uncovers Major Fuel Theft Ring

• 🎯 A large-scale fuel theft operation, dubbed "Operation Van Diesel," has been dismantled by law enforcement across 13 Florida counties.
• 💡 The operation, initiated by discrepancies reported by fuel centers in Hillsborough County, revealed a sophisticated criminal enterprise.

Scale and Method of Operation

• ⛽ The ring is responsible for 350 diesel fuel thefts at 70 locations, stealing 185,000 gallons of fuel.
• 💰 The estimated retail value of the stolen fuel is approximately $650,000, with thieves selling it for about $2 a gallon.
• 🚚 Thieves used modified vans or trailers with makeshift 500-gallon tanks, accessing underground storage tanks late at night to siphon fuel.

Law Enforcement and Corporate Collaboration

• 🤝 The investigation involved significant collaboration between state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and corporate partners like Speedway 7-Eleven and Racetrack.
• ⚖️ Attorney General James Umer highlighted the success of the operation, emphasizing Florida's commitment to enforcing laws and combating crime.
• 📈 Over 100 search warrants and 41 subpoenas were issued, leading to 10 arrests out of 11 warrants.

Suspects and Charges

• 🌍 Notably, seven of the arrested individuals reportedly have no lawful standing in the United States.
• 🚨 Charges include racketeering, conspiracy, and money laundering, with racketeering being the most egregious offense.
• ⚠️ The makeshift fuel tanks in vehicles posed significant safety risks on Florida roadways.

Broader Implications and Future Actions

• 📢 The Attorney General linked the crime to the open border crisis, noting that many involved were not US citizens.
• 🚚 Civil and criminal subpoenas are being issued against White Hawk Carriers, related to an incident involving an improperly licensed commercial driver.
• 🔒 Law enforcement and corporate partners are committed to continued collaboration to combat organized retail crime and protect critical infrastructure.