Florida Officials Dismantle Statewide Diesel Theft Ring Across 13 Counties

Florida authorities have dismantled a large-scale diesel fuel theft ring after a nearly six-month investigation called Operation Van Diesel, which uncovered 350 thefts across 70 locations in 13 counties. The criminal enterprise involved suspects who modified Dodge and Chrysler minivans with large tanks and pumps to siphon diesel from underground storage tanks at gas stations, stealing more than 185,000 gallons valued at approximately $650,000. The stolen fuel was then sold at discounted prices in trucking yards, often for $2 a gallon compared to the national average of about $3.74. Ten suspects have been arrested on charges including RICO violations, with seven of them found to have no legal standing in the U.S. Authorities executed 103 search warrants and 41 subpoenas during the investigation, which spanned cities such as Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier have publicly discussed the operation and continue to coordinate efforts, with additional charges possible.