On September 4, 2025, Florida officials announced that ten people were arrested after a large fuel theft investigation called "Operation Van Diesel."

How it happened: Detectives started the case in March after noticing a spike in stolen diesel from gas stations around Hillsborough County. The suspects used specially modified Dodge and Chrysler minivans that could carry 500 gallons at a time. They had pumps and hidden compartments to suck fuel straight from underground tanks.

• The thieves hit stations in Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and other parts of Florida.
• In total, they stole over 185,000 gallons of diesel, valued around $650,000.
• The stolen fuel was then resold for less at trucking yards, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
• Fuel was stolen from well-known retailers like Racetrac and Speedway/7-Eleven.

The crackdown: On August 5, 2025, law enforcement from multiple agencies made the bust, seizing 19 vehicles and recovering about 30,000 gallons of diesel valued at over $100,000. Nine suspects were arrested that day, and a tenth later. All face multiple charges, including RICO violations.

The investigation is still ongoing, with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office promising more updates as needed.