Diesel heist ring exposed: two arrests follow year-long organized theft operation

A sophisticated network of diesel fuel theft, spanning multiple counties and involving manipulated vehicles, has been brought to a halt following the arrest of two men. Riverside County Sheriff’s investigators spent nearly a year dismantling the operation, uncovering a pattern of brazen theft and sophisticated equipment modification.

Operation ‘black pump’ unravels after nearly a year

The investigation began in May 2025 with a report of fuel theft at a Mecca business. Deputies quickly identified a clear modus operandi: the suspects were using modified vehicles to siphon fuel from pumps, a tactic repeated in Coachella just nine months later – nearly 9,000 gallons stolen and valued at over $63,000.

A staggering loss of nearly 10,000 gallons of diesel fuel was attributed to this organized crime ring.

What’s particularly unsettling is the scale – and the persistence. The deputies weren’t simply reacting to isolated incidents. They meticulously tracked the suspects, executing numerous search warrants across the Inland Empire, from Perris to Apple Valley, consistently finding evidence of illicit fuel operations and vehicle alterations.

The arrests on April 7th, targeting Steven Anthony Bailey, 40, and Brian Briseno Mena, 27, represent a significant victory. The investigation remains active, with authorities actively seeking further information from the public regarding this ongoing criminal activity.

With diesel prices soaring to record highs – topping $5 a gallon for the first time since 2022 – this operation’s impact is particularly acute. It exposes not just a financial loss, but a deeper vulnerability within the supply chain. The sheer volume of fuel stolen points to a coordinated effort, likely impacting local businesses and potentially driving up costs for consumers. The sheriff’s office urges anyone with pertinent details to come forward.