Fuel Heist Unveiled: Delhi Police Crack Down on Turpentine Scam

A fuel theft operation in Delhi was dismantled by police, involving fraudsters diverting aviation turbine fuel from tankers to be sold illegally as mineral turpentine oil. This scheme resulted in significant financial losses. Multiple arrests were made, and stolen fuel and tools were confiscated.

Delhi Police have successfully dismantled an illegal operation that siphoned off aviation turbine fuel from tankers destined for the international airport, selling it on the open market as mineral turpentine oil. The operation caused monthly losses exceeding Rs 1.62 crore.

This illicit enterprise, active for over three years, was exposed following a tip-off, leading to the arrest of six individuals and the detention of two more. Each day, around 5,000 liters of fuel were unlawfully redirected, indicating a significant scale of operation.

The suspects evaded tanker security measures, manipulated GPS data, and forged documentation to achieve this. The police confiscated ATF tankers, cash, siphoning equipment, and transportation vehicles, ensuring the safe return of the stolen property to the oil company. Investigations continue.

(With inputs from agencies.)