TYLER, Texas — A multi-agency law enforcement operation has dismantled an organized criminal network accused of installing payment card skimmers on diesel fuel pumps and stealing thousands of gallons of fuel across North Texas, authorities announced.
The investigation was led by the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC) after the Garland Police Department requested assistance in late April 2026 regarding reports of stolen fuel and compromised payment card information.
According to investigators, the criminal organization installed skimming devices on high-flow diesel pumps at truck stops and fuel stations throughout North Texas. The devices captured payment card information from customers, which was then allegedly encoded onto fraudulent cards and used to purchase large quantities of diesel fuel.
Authorities determined the group was stealing between 1,500 and 2,500 gallons of diesel fuel per night, five to six nights each week. Investigators said the fuel was pumped into hidden compartments built into vehicles used by members of the organization.
The investigation revealed skimming devices had been installed at locations across the region, including sites as far away as Smith County.
On June 12, 2026, the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center coordinated the execution of three simultaneous search warrants at two locations in Irving and one location in Arlington.
The operation involved assistance from the Smith County District Attorney's Office, Garland Police Department, Irving Police Department, Arlington Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety Special Operations Group, DPS Anti-Gang Group, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force.
During the searches, investigators recovered 10 skimming devices, approximately 50 altered payment cards, and a laptop computer connected to a card re-encoding device that authorities believe was used to transfer stolen card information onto fraudulent cards.
Officials estimate the investigation prevented as much as $10 million in future fraud losses.
Five suspects were arrested as part of the operation:
- Jael Diaz-Morejon, arrested in Arlington and booked into the Tarrant County Jail.
- Adriana Castillo-Oliveros, arrested in Arlington and booked into the Tarrant County Jail.
- Noel Pena-Rodriguez, 33, arrested in Irving and booked into the Dallas County Jail.
- Carlos Virgilio Lopez-Coba, 29, arrested in Irving and booked into the Dallas County Jail.
- Betsy Santiesteban-Lopez, arrested on Monday, June 15th, after arriving on a flight from Mexico and booked into the Dallas County Jail.
Authorities said Diaz-Morejon, Castillo-Oliveros, Pena-Rodriguez, and Lopez-Coba are Cuban nationals. Santiesteban-Lopez is a Mexican national.
All five suspects have been charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, a first-degree felony. The case will be prosecuted by the Smith County District Attorney's Office.
Additionally, two other individuals encountered during the search warrant operations were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for administrative immigration matters.
"Friday's operation reflects the exceptional coordination and commitment of our local, state, and federal partners," said Captain Jeff Headley of the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center. "The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center was created by the Texas Legislature for the purpose of coordinating large-scale investigations such as this, and we are privileged to lead an effort that protects the citizens of Texas."
The investigation remains ongoing.
