Authorities in New Jersey have charged 25 people and four companies in a massive diesel fuel theft scheme. They allegedly stole $3.4 million worth of fuel using credit card skimmers.
The details: The scam stretched across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, involving cloned credit cards used to buy fuel.
- Suspects used vehicles with extra fuel tanks to transport stolen diesel to trucking companies.
- The investigation began in October 2023 after a tip-off about unusual activities in New Jersey.
Officials conducted several arrests, recovering around 500 cloned credit cards from participants in the operation.
On the ground: Enterprise vehicles were seen transporting large amounts of fuel, including using an ice cream truck, to various sites such as Glotrac Builders LLC in Newark.
- Payments for the stolen fuel were made through peer-to-peer apps or in cash, says New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin.
The ongoing investigation has identified about 2,033 victims who had their financial details compromised through this scheme.
Why it matters: This incident highlights vulnerabilities in fuel sale operations, affecting numerous trucking businesses and fuel providers.
Officials emphasize that none of the defendants were legally registered to sell diesel, reported the New Jersey government.
Next steps: Legal proceedings continue, with no indication yet on when we'll see a verdict or sentencing for the accused individuals and companies.