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Tampa, FL - Florida law enforcement officials have arrested 10 people and are seeking an 11th suspect in connection with a large-scale diesel fuel theft operation allegedly spanning multiple counties and totaling $650,000.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier provided details Thursday at a press conference in Tampa about the six-month investigation, called Operation Van Diesel.
Multiple agencies were involved, including the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Authorities say the investigation began after several gas stations in Hillsborough County reported discrepancies in fuel inventory.
The Organized Crime Unit noticed a pattern of diesel fuel theft that extended to other counties.
Investigators say the suspects allegedly carried out 350 thefts at 70 locations across 13 counties, stealing approximately 185,000 gallons of diesel fuel valued at $650,000.
According to officials, the suspects allegedly used vans, mostly Dodge or Chrysler models, to fill makeshift 500-gallon tanks and transport the fuel to large tractor storage facilities, where it was sold at about two dollars per gallon.
The investigation included 103 search warrants and 41 subpoenas, resulting in 11 arrest warrants.
Eight of the arrested individuals have been extradited to Hillsborough County, while one suspect remains at large.
Seven of those arrested are reportedly in the U.S. illegally.
Chronister noted the safety risks of transporting large quantities of fuel in vehicles and the financial impact on legitimate businesses.
Uthmeier highlighted that several suspects allegedly entered the country illegally.
The suspects face numerous felony charges, including racketeering.