The authorities of Miami-Dade County arrested a 34-year-old man accused of participating in a scheme to steal nearly a thousand gallons of diesel fuel from several 7-Eleven gas stations.
He did it by using a truck modified with hidden tanks to load fuel without paying.
The suspect -identified as Andro Rodríguez-González and whose nationality has not been disclosed- was arrested on Thursday.
According to the authorities, the scheme involved using vehicles equipped with hidden flexible tanks, known as bladder tanks, to store large volumes of fuel while manipulating the dispensers.
“The scheme involved vehicles with hidden tanks and suspicious individuals who manipulated the pumps to dispense diesel fuel without paying,” details the police report, cited by the local press.
The researchers pointed out that this type of fraud allows for the purchase of hundreds of gallons of fuel in a single visit to the gas station.
Subsequently, the stolen diesel is transported to storage facilities where it is transferred to large-capacity containers or tanker trucks.
The case began to take shape when a researcher from the 7-Eleven chain alerted the police about a brown Dodge Ram 2500 linked to several incidents at county stations.
The surveillance images allowed for the identification of the vehicle and its connection to Rodríguez-González, who was listed as its owner.
A detective involved in the case also stated that he "personally knew" the suspect due to his alleged past involvement in an organization dedicated to fuel theft.
Vehicle tracking
The investigation was conducted by the Intelligence and Vices Squad of the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, with support from the Florida Highway Patrol.
After obtaining a court order, investigators placed a tracking device on the truck on February 19, which allowed them to connect the vehicle to multiple incidents that occurred in the following weeks.
Among the documented thefts are:
February 7: 89 gallons valued at $320.40 and 69 gallons at $244.26.
February 10: 154 gallons for $531.30 and 118 gallons for $418.90.
- February 11: 81 gallons for $281.07.
February 23: 118 gallons for $407.10.
- February 24: 73 gallons for $251.85.
March 1: 105 gallons for $373.80.
- March 4: 101 gallons for $444.40.
March 5: 42 gallons for 184.80 dollars.
In total, authorities estimate that the accused fraudulently obtained about 950 gallons of diesel, valued at $3,457.88, from various 7-Eleven stations in the county.
Found evidence
Rodríguez-González was arrested at his home.
During the inspection of the truck, the agents found several modified fuel tanks hidden in the back and inside the vehicle, designed to store large volumes of diesel.
Two magnets were also found that were allegedly used to manipulate the fuel dispensers, allowing the system to enable loading without recording the payment.
The subject faces charges that include organized fraud, third-degree grand theft, retail fuel theft, and possession of a vehicle with an illegal tank.
Other charges and background
In addition to the charges related to fuel theft, the suspect has previously faced accusations for possession of controlled substances, including crystal meth and cocaine, according to judicial records.
The case documents also indicate that Rodríguez-González was out on bail for a previous felony related to an organized scheme of fraud and fuel theft.
Authorities continue to investigate whether other individuals were involved in the operation and if the stolen fuel was later sold illegally on the black market.
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