AG James Uthmeier Announces Arrest of Criminal Alien Theft Ring; Issues Criminal Subpoena to Employer of Illegal Alien Commercial Truck Driver; Delivers Legal Demands to California and Washington

TAMPA, Fla.— Attorney General James Uthmeier joined Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister to announce the results of Operation Van Diesel—the takedown of a large-scale organized criminal illegal alien theft ring responsible for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of diesel fuel across at least a dozen Florida counties. The Attorney General also announced legal action related to the illegal alien truck driver who killed three in St. Lucie County.

“Joe Biden opened our borders, sanctuary states offered incentives for illegal immigration, and they put Americans at risk,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “The majority of this group of criminal aliens were let into the country under the Biden administration, and the effects are widespread. Accountability is coming for these sanctuary policies putting Floridians at risk, which is why I also issued a criminal subpoena to the employer of the illegal alien truck driver who killed three in St Lucie County and sent a list of legal demands to Washington and California.”

"Fuel theft of this magnitude puts drivers at risk, undermines the integrity of our fuel supply, and robs businesses in our communities," said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. "To those who think organized crime can go undetected, let this case be a reminder: we are watching, we are working together, and we will hold you accountable."

The defendants, a majority of them illegal aliens, are charged with RICO and conspiracy counts, with four also facing money laundering charges in excess of $100,000. The scheme involved illegally modified vans capable of carrying up to 500 gallons of stolen fuel, siphoned directly from dozens of gas station storage tanks. 

The investigation revealed the enterprise profited at least $400,000, with the true amount likely much higher. Of the ten who’ve been arrested, seven are illegal aliens, six of whom were paroled into the interior of the U.S. by the Biden administration. The seventh is a “gotaway,” the details of which are unknown. Three defendants are green card holders, flagged for immigration authorities to revoke upon conviction. 

Sentencing ranges for the charged crimes extend up to 90 years in prison. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are likely to be forthcoming. This case will be handled by the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution. 

In addition to today’s arrests, Attorney General Uthmeier announced legal action tied to a separate case involving a fatal semi-truck crash caused by an illegal alien licensed in another state. The Attorney General issued a criminal subpoena to the Ceres, California-based company White Hawk Carriers—the employer of Harjinder Singh. The Attorney General also issued legal demands to California and Washington for their role in issuing the commercial driver’s license. 

On August 12, 2025, Harjinder Singh, made an illegal U-turn on the Florida Turnpike near Fort Pierce in St. Lucie County. His trailer jackknifed, blocking the northbound lanes, leading to a collision with a minivan, killing all three people inside. Singh, who faces three manslaughter charges and three counts of vehicular homicide, was extradited to the St. Lucie County Jail and denied bond. He faces up to 90 years in prison before deportation.

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