Operation Van Diesel dismantled a large-scale diesel theft organization in Florida.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister recently announced the results of the six-month investigation Operation Van Diesel, led by HCSO’s Organized Crime Task Force.
The operation uncovered an elaborate, organized scheme that stole thousands of gallons of diesel fuel from gas stations across Florida. The case began in March 2025 when investigators identified a trend of fuel thefts in Hillsborough County. The investigation expanded statewide, stretching into Orlando, Jacksonville, and multiple other jurisdictions.
Through investigative means, detectives learned the suspects used modified Dodge and Chrysler minivans equipped with 500-gallon tanks, pumps, hidden compartments, and cut-through floorboards to siphon diesel fuel directly from underground gas station tanks. In minutes, they could steal hundreds of gallons of diesel. The stolen fuel was then transported to trucking yards and resold at a discounted rate…