GARLAND, Texas — Five people were arrested for suspected operation of an organized crime scheme targeting diesel fuel pumps across North Texas.
The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC) received several reports of stolen diesel fuel and card numbers from the Garland Police Department in late April.
The subsequent investigation revealed that an organized group had installed payment card skimming devices on diesel pumps throughout North Texas, stealing card information and fraudulently purchasing diesel fuel with the stolen data.
Authorities estimate the thieves stole between 1,500 and 2,500 gallons of diesel per night, five to six times per week, by pumping the fuel into hidden compartments in their vehicles.
The Texas FCIC announced that a multi-agency operation executed three simultaneous searches warrants last Friday at two locations in Irving and one in Arlington.
Among the evidence recovered were 10 card skimmers, 50 altered payment cards and a laptop with a re-encoding device allegedly used to engrave new cards with stolen card numbers. Authorities estimate the operation prevented over $10 million in additional losses to Texans.
Among the evidence recovered were 10 card skimmers, 50 altered payment cards and a laptop with a re-encoding device allegedly used to engrave new cards with stolen card numbers. (Photo: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation)
Suspects Jael Diaz Morejon and Adriana Castillo Olivero were arrested in the Arlington operation and are currently being held at the Tarrant County Jail.
Suspects Noel Pena Rodriguez and Carlos Virgilio Lopez Coba were arrested in Irving and are being held in the Dallas County Jail.
The fifth suspect, Betsy Santiesteban Lopez, was arrested Monday as she was arriving from Mexico on a flight. She is also currently being held at the Dallas County Jail.
Jael Diaz Morejon, Adriana Castillo Olivero, Noel Pena Rodriguez, Carlos Virgilio Lopez Coba, Betsy Santiesteban Lopez (Photo: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation)
The five suspects arrested in the operation are all facing charges of 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.”