TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Thursday that 25 individuals and four companies have been charged for their alleged involvement in a large-scale diesel fuel theft operation spanning five states. The complex scheme reportedly generated $3.4 million in illicit profits through the use of stolen credit card data to purchase and resell diesel fuel.
The charges stem from an investigation led by the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) in coordination with multiple law enforcement agencies, targeting a criminal network accused of using credit card skimming devices to steal financial information. This data was then used to produce cloned cards that fraudulently purchased tens of thousands of gallons of diesel fuel, which was illegally resold to trucking companies and fuel distributors across 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,” Attorney General Platkin said. “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.”
All of the defendants are charged with first-degree racketeering; various defendants are also charged with other crimes, as outlined in the criminal-complaints. The alleged enterprise structure is identified as follows:
Leadership: Carlos Alvarez-Moreno
Management: Javier Reyes Linares
Management/Facilitation: Jonathan Gomez Soto, Manuel DeArmas Cortes, Frank Elias Fuentes-Martinez, Camilo Lopez Rodriguez, Sandy Gonzalez Gonzalez, and Brayan Vera Sanchez
Facilitators: Sury Saray Lopez, Venus Artiles-Avila, Julmir Hernandez, Neyelth Hurtado Ramirez, Luis Rodriguez-Perez, Willy Oses-Martin, Wilmay Carrasco Rodriguez, Santiago Cepero Diaz, Adrian Caciano, Jan-Carlos Mondejar-Gonzalez, Yansel Mas Ali, Luis Rodolfo Roque Silva, and Yoanzy Alfonso Diaz
Clients: Miguel Seixeiro, Joaquim “Jack” Seixeiro, Mauricio Calle Landin, Alberto Decena, Glotrac Builders LLC, Filpo Trucking Corp, A&A Truck Center Corp., and Kalle Trucking, LLC.
The Attorney General’s office did not say whether or not the defendants were American citizens or foreign nationals. He also did not say whether any of the individuals involved were illegal aliens.
According to authorities, the operation involved installing card skimmers on gas pumps—often when gas stations were closed—allowing the suspects to collect credit and debit card information. The network reportedly used “master” keys to unlock gas pumps and discreetly install the devices. The stolen data was used to create cloned cards, enabling fraudulent fuel purchases at various gas stations.
Vehicles connected to the enterprise were modified with large auxiliary fuel tanks to transport stolen diesel. In one instance, investigators identified an ice cream truck retrofitted to carry fuel. Once the fuel was acquired, drivers delivered it to customers, including trucking companies and fuel resellers, who paid for the stolen product primarily in cash or through peer-to-peer payment apps.
Investigators recovered approximately 500 cloned cards during arrests and identified fraudulent credit card transactions totaling about $665,797 between January 2023 and July 2024, impacting more than 2,000 victims.
Key members of the operation allegedly directed the theft and distribution process. Carlos Alvarez-Moreno has been identified as the leader of the network, with Javier Reyes Linares overseeing operations. Other individuals handled management, facilitation, and transportation of the stolen fuel.
One of the primary customers of the operation was Glotrac Builders LLC (GB) in Newark, which allegedly paid approximately $2.88 million for stolen fuel. GB, along with Filpo Trucking Corp., A&A Truck Center Corp., and Kalle Trucking LLC, is accused of knowingly purchasing the illicit fuel. Law enforcement observed these companies directing offloading operations, often during late hours, from vehicles clearly unfit for legal fuel transport.
“This cooperative investigation among law enforcement agencies dismantled the operations of a criminal enterprise involved in committing fraud against unsuspecting victims,” said J. Stephen Ferketic, Director of the Division of Criminal Justice. “The Division will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute individuals involved in criminal networks of this nature.”
The investigation originated in October 2023, when the Gloucester Township Police Department and the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office identified skimming devices being installed at gas stations. This local investigation expanded with state and federal collaboration, uncovering a multistate network.
“This successful investigation is the result of intelligent police work, timely sharing of information, and the strong relationships that we have with our local, county, and state law enforcement partners,” said Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas highlighted the importance of multi-agency collaboration. “Together we targeted members of a criminal organization suspected of using stolen credit card information to purchase diesel fuel along the East Coast and ensured many fraudsters faced justice.”
The defendants face first-degree racketeering charges, with additional charges varying by individual involvement. Authorities are continuing efforts to trace additional proceeds and assets connected to the scheme.