Cuban Nationals Among Those Arrested in Texas Diesel Theft Operation

In a major crackdown, five individuals—four of whom are Cuban nationals—have been detained in North Texas as part of an operation that dismantled a sophisticated criminal network involved in the theft of thousands of gallons of diesel fuel. This was achieved through the use of card cloning devices installed on fuel pumps, as reported by the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC).

The suspects have been identified as Jael Díaz Morejón, Adriana Castillo Oliveros, Noel Peña Rodríguez, and Carlos Virgilio López Coba, all of whom are Cuban, along with Betsy Santiesteban López, a Mexican national, according to a statement released by the agency on Tuesday.

These individuals face charges related to organized criminal activity, which is classified as a first-degree felony.

How the Diesel Theft Scheme Operated

The investigation revealed that the group deployed skimming devices on high-flow diesel pumps at truck stops across North Texas. These devices were used to steal payment card data, which was then exploited to fraudulently acquire fuel.

The law enforcement operation took place on Friday, June 12, involving over 10 state and federal agencies. It included the simultaneous search of three properties—two in Irving and one in Arlington—leading to the arrests of the five suspects, authorities detailed.

The Arrests and Seizures

Díaz Morejón and Castillo Oliveros were apprehended during the Arlington raid and are currently held in Tarrant County Jail. On the same day, Peña Rodríguez and López Coba were taken into custody in Irving and are now in Dallas County Jail. The fifth suspect, Santiesteban López, was arrested upon arriving from Mexico on a flight on Monday, June 15, and is detained in Dallas Jail.

Authorities estimate that the ring stole between 1,500 and 2,500 gallons of diesel per night, operating five to six nights a week. The stolen fuel was hidden in specially constructed compartments within the suspects' vehicles.

During the property searches, a substantial amount of evidence linked to the crimes was seized, including 10 card cloning devices, 50 altered payment cards, and a laptop connected to a recoding device allegedly used to transfer stolen card numbers onto new cards.

Impact and Broader Context

Authorities believe the operation prevented further fraudulent losses estimated at approximately $10 million.

The investigation began in late April after the FCIC received assistance requests from the Garland Police Department regarding multiple reports of fuel and card number thefts. The case will be prosecuted by the Smith County District Attorney's Office in Tyler, Texas.

Additionally, two other individuals found at the searched properties were detained by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for immigration-related issues.

Captain Jeff Headley, head of Field Operations for the FCIC, emphasized that this operation "demonstrates exceptional coordination and commitment" among local, state, and federal agencies. He added, "The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center was established by the Texas Legislature to coordinate large-scale investigations like this, and we are privileged to lead an effort that protects the citizens of Texas."

This case adds to the dismantling of other criminal networks involving Cubans engaged in fuel theft in Texas. Just last April, three Cubans were apprehended in Hewitt, Texas, for installing skimmers on gas pumps, preventing estimated losses of up to $19 million. In June 2024, Cuban citizen Duniesky González was sentenced to 50 years in prison for leading a similar operation across nine counties in the state.