California man busted in $113K fuel theft scheme — with secret gas station hidden inside his truck

A 61-year-old Murrieta man has been arrested in connection with an alleged fuel theft scheme using stolen credit card details. Detectives say the case matters because the fraudulent purchases charged about $113,000 to an Oxnard company and may involve other suspects.

Authorities allege Tigran Gabrielian bought fuel in unusually large quantities, including about $900 before fleeing and a further $800 at another station. His utility truck contained concealed fuel tanks and bladders, a pump system and blank credit cards with notes showing expiry dates and PINs. He was booked on nine counts of identity theft and grand theft; the investigation is continuing.