The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has dismantled a major diesel fuel theft ring following a six-month investigation. Named Operation Van Diesel, the effort was led by the Organized Crime Task Force and resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of stolen goods, according to a press release from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Chad Chronister stated that the suspects bypassed security measures to extract diesel fuel from underground storage tanks at various gas stations across the state using modified vans.
The suspects converted Dodge and Chrysler minivans into vehicles equipped with large tanks holding up to 500 gallons of fuel. They used pumps and hidden compartments to steal diesel, which was then sold at discounted prices in trucking yards. More than 185,000 gallons of diesel, valued at about $650,000, were stolen from retailers including Racetrac and Speedway/7-Eleven.
The investigation extended across Florida to cities such as Orlando and Jacksonville. Authorities executed 103 search warrants and 41 subpoenas, leading to the arrest of ten suspects on RICO and related charges. The bust last month, seized 19 vehicles, over 30,000 gallons of diesel, and resulted in nine arrests.
The case remains active, and additional charges may follow. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the Statewide Prosecutor continue to coordinate efforts and have stated that updates will be shared through official channels.
