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25 People, Four Companies Charged in New Jersey Diesel Fuel Theft Ring
State officials allege a multimillion-dollar operation used cloned credit cards to buy and resell tens of thousands of gallons of stolen diesel.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) have announced charges against 25 individuals and four companies accused of orchestrating a large-scale scheme to steal diesel fuel and resell it for illegal profits. According to law enforcement, the alleged operation netted an estimated $3.4 million by using fraudulently obtained credit card details to purchase tens of thousands of gallons of diesel in multiple states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
“These defendants allegedly developed a sophisticated system for stealing credit card information from unsuspecting victims and then used that information to make new, fraudulent cards, which they used to buy diesel fuel,” said Attorney General Platkin. “That fuel was then allegedly sold to trucking companies and other fuel providers. Working with our local law enforcement partners, we will always be on the lookout for financial frauds and protect the public from these schemes.”
Alleged Method: Skimmers and Cloned Cards
In October 2023, DCJ detectives received information about a diesel theft enterprise operating in New Jersey. Investigators contend that members of the group planted “skimming devices” inside gas pumps—using master keys to unlock them—when gas stations were closed. These devices gathered unsuspecting customers’ credit or debit card data. The stolen information was then allegedly used to manufacture “cloned” payment cards and purchase diesel fuel at other gas stations.
Modified Vehicles and Resale
Authorities allege that those involved outfitted multiple vehicles with auxiliary tanks—sometimes large or hidden inside trucks not designed to lawfully transport fuel, including an ice cream truck—to shuttle the stolen diesel. They then delivered it to trucking companies or private fuel providers, collecting payments via cash or peer-to-peer payment apps. Investigators claim one company, Glotrac Builders LLC (“GB”), was the main purchaser of the stolen fuel, paying the group approximately $2.88 million for tens of thousands of gallons, which it then sold to other trucking outfits.
Scope and Charges
Records reviewed by law enforcement suggest that from January 1, 2023, to July 20, 2024, over 2,000 victims’ credit card accounts were used to make fraudulent fuel purchases totaling around $665,797. Officials believe the full operation’s profits exceeded $3.4 million. The alleged enterprise spanned several states, with numerous arrests made not only in New Jersey but also in Florida and Texas.
All of the defendants are charged with first-degree racketeering. Various individuals face additional offenses, as noted in the criminal complaints. They are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
“Through the hard work and collaborative efforts of state, county, and local law enforcement, individuals engaged in this widespread conspiracy have been identified, arrested, and charged,” Camden County Prosecutor Grace MacAulay said. “This investigation began at the local level with the Gloucester Township Police Detective Bureau with an investigation of skimmers being illegally used by individuals to obtain credit and debit card account numbers to fraudulently purchase large amounts of diesel fuel. With the assistance of Camden County Prosecutor’s Detectives, the Gloucester Township investigation led to the identification of a larger network throughout the state of New Jersey and surrounding states. Law enforcement agencies throughout the state will continue to work together to investigate and prosecute these crimes.”
Investigation and Prosecution
The DCJ led the probe with significant assistance from local and out-of-state law enforcement agencies, including the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, Gloucester Township Police Department, Elizabeth Police Department, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, and numerous other partners in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Florida, and Texas.
DCJ Deputy Attorneys General Danielle Scarduzio, Lindsey Watson, and Heather Hausleben are prosecuting the case under the supervision of Bureau Chief Brian Carney and Deputy Director Jillian Carpenter. Anyone with information related to the diesel theft scheme is urged to contact authorities.
