A multi-agency investigation has led to five arrests after authorities say an organized criminal ring used skimming devices on diesel fuel pumps to steal payment card information and obtain fuel across North Texas.

According to the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC), investigators believe the group was stealing between 1,500 and 2,500 gallons of diesel fuel per night, operating five to six nights each week. Authorities allege the fuel was stored in hidden compartments built into vehicles used by the suspects.

The Garland Police Department requested assistance from the FCIC in late April 2026 after reports of stolen fuel and compromised payment card information. Investigators later determined the group had allegedly installed skimming devices on high-flow diesel pumps across North Texas, including locations as far away as Smith County.

On June 12, authorities executed three simultaneous search warrants at two locations in Irving and one location in Arlington. The operation involved the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center, the Smith County District Attorney’s Office, Garland Police Department, Irving Police Department, Arlington Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety Special Operations Group, Texas Department of Public Safety Anti-Gang Group, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force.

Investigators recovered 10 skimming devices, 50 altered payment cards, and a laptop computer connected to a re-encoding device that was allegedly used to transfer stolen card information onto new cards.

Authorities estimate the operation prevented an additional $10 million in losses.

The following individuals were arrested:

Jael Diaz Morejon, arrested during the Arlington operation and held at the Tarrant County Jail.

Adriana Castillo Oliveros, arrested during the Arlington operation and held at the Tarrant County Jail.

Noel Pena Rodriguez, arrested during the Irving operation and held at the Dallas County Jail.

Carlos Virgilio Lopez Coba, arrested during the Irving operation and held at the Dallas County Jail.

Betsy Santiesteban Lopez, arrested June 15 while arriving from Mexico and held at the Dallas County Jail.

All five suspects face charges of engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony.