Five people were taken into custody for allegedly running an organized crime plot targeting diesel fuel pumps in North Texas.
In late April, the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC) received many reports from the Garland Police Department regarding stolen diesel fuel and card data.
The ensuing investigation revealed that an organized organization had installed payment card skimming devices on diesel pumps throughout North Texas, collecting card information and using it to fraudulently purchase diesel fuel.
Authorities estimate that the burglars took between 1,500 and 2,500 gallons of diesel per night, five to six times a week, by pumping the fuel into secret compartments in their trucks.
The Texas FCIC reported that a multi-agency operation executed three simultaneous search warrants last Friday at two Irving sites and one in Arlington.
The evidence discovered included 10 card skimmers, 50 changed payment cards, and a laptop with re-encoding equipment reportedly used to engrave fresh cards with stolen card details. Authorities believe that the action saved approximately $10 million in extra damages for Texans.
Jael Diaz Morejon and Adriana Castillo Olivero were detained during the Arlington operation and are currently being incarcerated at Tarrant County Jail.
Noel Pena Rodriguez and Carlos Virgilio Lopez Coba were detained in Irving and are currently being held at the Dallas County Jail.
Betsy Santiesteban Lopez, the fifth suspect, was apprehended Monday when she arrived from Mexico on a flight. She is also now being held in the Dallas County Jail.
The five people arrested during the operation are all charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony.
“Friday’s operation reflects the exceptional coordination and commitment of our local, state, and federal partners,” said Captain Jeff Headley with the Field Operations division at Texas FCIC. “The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center was created by the Texas Legislature for the purpose of coordinating large-scale investigations such as this, and we are privileged to lead an effort that protects the citizens of Texas.”
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