Three Cubans arrested for large-scale diesel theft for truck business in the U.S.

Three Cuban citizens were arrested in the state of Kentucky, United States, for their alleged involvement in a large-scale diesel fuel theft intended to supply a trucking business.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office reported on Facebook that the suspects—identified as Yordano Solís, 32, and Lionnis Pérez, 30, both residents of Louisville, Kentucky; and Dariel Montero, 31, residing in Portland, Oregon—used an electronic device to siphon fuel directly from the pumps without making the appropriate payment.

Authorities estimated that the economic loss exceeds 18,000 dollars, according to the statement released.

During the investigation, led by Sergeant Garland with support from Sergeant Workman and Detective Hayes, it was determined that the stolen fuel was being used to keep an off-road trucking business operational.

The three Cubans are facing charges for participation in a criminal organization and for the illegal appropriation of goods valued between $10,000 and one million, according to county authorities.

The Sheriff's Office emphasized its commitment to combating criminal activity and called for citizen cooperation in reporting illegal acts.

It was also noted that all the accused are presumed innocent until a court rules otherwise.

According to the records of the Kentucky penitentiary system, Kentucky Offender Online Lookup (KOOL), one of the arrested individuals, legally identified as Lionnis Hechevarría Pérez, 30 years old, is currently on probation for two misdemeanor offenses committed in 2023.

According to the information consulted, Pérez was convicted of violating a protection order for domestic violence and of fourth-degree assault in the context of domestic violence, both offenses occurring in Bullitt County, Kentucky.

His supervision period began on April 30, 2024, and will extend until April 2026, under the jurisdiction of District 18 in Louisville.

These circumstances could have additional legal repercussions, as the new arrest for diesel theft could be interpreted as a violation of the terms of his probation.

A series of recent operations in the southern United States has revealed the involvement of Cuban citizens in various crimes, ranging from technology fraud to organized crime.

In Tampa, two Cubans were caught during a traffic stop with credit card cloning devices and 20 fraudulent credit cards. One of them had a pending deportation order and a history with the U.S. Secret Service, which complicated his legal situation.

A young Cuban was sent to prison en Miami tras robar una camioneta con dos niños pequeños dentro y una caja con 175 iPhones valorados en más de 77,000 dólares. Gracias a grabaciones de seguridad y al rastreo por GPS, la policía logró recuperar el vehículo y a los menores, aunque los teléfonos no fueron encontrados. El acusado enfrenta cargos por secuestro y hurto mayor.

Also in Florida, federal agents arrested a man of Cuban origin with a history of sexual offenses, aggravated assault, and drug trafficking. He was apprehended during a Border Patrol operation in the Keys, where actions against immigrants with criminal records who are in irregular situations have been intensified.

For transporting three undocumented migrants from Vietnam and India in his car, in Arizona a Cuban granted humanitarian parole was arrested. Authorities accuse him of human trafficking, and the passengers will be deported. This case adds to other similar ones involving Cubans in human smuggling networks at the southern border.

One of the most significant cases was the dismantling of a Cuban criminal gang that stole more than 80 luxury cars in various cities across Florida.

They used technology to clone keys and track rented vehicles, which they then resold with fraudulent documentation. Authorities estimate that they made over a million dollars in profits and that the organization may be linked to similar networks in other states.

Frequently Asked Questions about Diesel Theft by Cubans in the U.S.