A massive diesel theft operation has been uncovered in New Jersey, where criminals used card skimmers to steal credit card information from unsuspecting drivers. The scammers then used this stolen data to buy millions of dollars’ worth of diesel fuel, which they resold illegally. This operation spread across multiple states and defrauded thousands of victims. Law enforcement authorities have arrested 25 people and charged four companies involved in this large-scale scam.
The scam involved placing illegal devices, called card skimmers, on gas station pumps. These devices were used to steal credit card information from customers filling up their vehicles. Once they had the stolen data, the criminals created fake, or “cloned,” credit cards and used them to buy huge amounts of diesel fuel. Over the course of a year and a half, from January 2023 to July 2024, the scammers made fraudulent fuel purchases worth approximately $665,800.
How the Diesel Theft Scheme Worked
The criminals behind this scheme had access to special tools, which they used to add card skimmers to gas pumps in New Jersey and neighboring states. With these skimmers in place, they could steal the credit card details of anyone who used the pump. The stolen information was then used to create cloned credit cards, which the scammers used to buy diesel fuel from various gas stations.
The illegal fuel purchases were just the beginning of the scam. Once they had the diesel, the criminals needed to find a way to resell it. They ran a fleet of vehicles, including some unusual ones like an ice cream truck, to transport the stolen fuel. These vehicles were filled up with diesel and then sent to trucking companies and other fuel businesses that unknowingly bought the stolen fuel.
The scammers didn’t have the proper licenses to sell diesel fuel, which made the operation even more dangerous. They often used peer-to-peer payment apps to accept payments from their customers, and some payments were made in cash. By reselling the stolen fuel, the criminals were able to make an estimated profit of $3.4 million.
The Investigation and Arrests
The scam was uncovered after a detailed investigation by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and the Division of Criminal Justice. Using surveillance cameras, tracking devices, and traditional police methods, investigators followed the money trail and uncovered the full scale of the operation.
Law enforcement agents arrested 25 individuals involved in the scam and seized approximately 500 cloned credit cards. These arrests were part of a larger effort to stop the illegal diesel trade and bring the criminals to justice.
The people arrested in connection with the diesel theft scheme were charged with serious crimes, including racketeering. Some of the individuals also face additional charges, such as fraud and conspiracy. The companies involved in the scam are also facing legal action.
The People and Companies Involved
The criminal operation was led by Carlos Alvarez-Moreno, who is believed to have been the mastermind behind the scheme. Other key figures in the operation include Javier Reyes Linares, who managed the illegal activities, and several facilitators who helped with various aspects of the operation. These facilitators included people like Jonathan Gomez Soto, Manuel DeArmas Cortes, and Frank Elias Fuentes-Martinez.
The scam also involved a number of companies that bought the stolen fuel, including Glotrac Builders LLC, Filpo Trucking Corp, and A&A Truck Center Corp. These companies may now face legal consequences for their role in the illegal operation.
What’s Next for the Victims?
Thousands of victims were affected by this large-scale diesel theft scheme. Customers who had their credit card information stolen may not even realize it, as the scammers worked hard to hide their actions. The authorities are now working to notify the victims and prevent further damage to their finances.
This case is a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant when using credit cards at gas stations and other public places. Drivers are encouraged to check the pumps for signs of tampering, such as loose parts or unusual devices, before swiping their cards.
The investigation into this scheme is ongoing, and more arrests and charges may follow. Authorities are also working to track down any other stolen fuel that may still be in circulation.
Conclusion
The diesel theft operation in New Jersey shows just how creative criminals can be when it comes to scamming people and businesses. By using card skimmers and fake credit cards, they were able to steal millions of dollars’ worth of fuel, impacting thousands of people along the way. Law enforcement is working hard to stop these types of schemes and bring the criminals involved to justice.
This story serves as an important reminder for consumers to be cautious and for businesses to take steps to protect their customers from fraud. As technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics used by scammers, making it crucial for both individuals and authorities to stay aware and take action when necessary.
(Source : 1057thehawk.com)
