California detectives stopped a man in a utility truck during a $113,000 fuel theft probe, then found a hidden gas pump inside

Detectives in Southern California arrested 61-year-old Tigran Gabrielian after discovering a hidden fuel pump and storage system inside his utility truck during a theft investigation. The arrest took place at a gas station located in the 2000 block of Borchard Road in the Newbury Park area. Authorities from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department took Gabrielian into custody as part of a probe into a major fuel theft operation.

As reported by the NY Post, this case started when detectives learned about a data breach affecting an Oxnard company. Investigators confirmed that criminals had used stolen credit cards to rack up $113,000 in fraudulent charges. 

These purchases involved massive amounts of fuel bought at various locations throughout the county. Once detectives started talking to local gas stations, they began identifying potential suspects. They realized quickly that the people involved had to be using modified vehicles to haul such high volumes of gas.

The officers also recovered multiple bank credit cards

The investigation reached a turning point on November 4, 2026. The sheriff’s office stated, “On November 4, 2026, Headquarters Detectives received information that the suspects were again using stolen credit card information at gas stations in the Newbury Park area.” When the team arrived at the initial scene, they found that Gabrielian had already stolen about $900 worth of fuel and driven away.

Detectives did not lose the trail for long because they used Automated License Plate Readers to track his movements. They located him at a second gas station where he was in the process of buying another $800 worth of fuel.

The most interesting part of this story is how the suspect managed to move the fuel. What looked like a standard utility work truck was actually a mobile gas station. The sheriff’s office explained, “Upon closer inspection, detectives discovered additional fuel tanks and large fuel bladders concealed inside the truck.” 

They also noted, “The vehicle was also equipped with a pump system, including a handle and meter, allowing fuel to be transferred and measured. The truck was seized as evidence.” 

During the search of the truck, officers found more than just the modified fuel tanks. They recovered multiple blank credit cards, and each one had a Post-it note attached that listed expiration dates and PIN numbers..

Gabrielian is facing nine counts of identity theft and grand theft. He is currently booked, but the investigation is not over yet. Authorities believe Gabrielian is one of several people involved in the scheme, and they are continuing to look for other suspects.