A fuel theft in France carried out in minutes left around 150 litres of diesel missing. Investigators say it was siphoned using a pump concealed beneath a truck and activated remotely using a radio-frequency controller.
Fuel theft remains a persistent cost and security risk for hauliers operating across Europe. In this case, French gendarmes detained suspects accused of stealing diesel from an HGV. Investigators said the group relied on a purpose-built system fitted beneath their own vehicle, designed to drain fuel from other trucks quickly.
The incident took place on Thursday, 28 May 2026. A pump concealed under the truck, was triggered remotely. Officers from PMO Villars-sous-Écot and DSIR EDCF25 stopped a truck whose crew had allegedly just stolen fuel from another HGV.
According to the Doubs department gendarmerie, the suspects used a pump installed underneath their truck and started it remotely using a radio-frequency controller. Authorities said the equipment was kept ready for use and enabled rapid fuel transfer, with the pump capable of drawing up to 100 litres of diesel per minute.
A professional driver played a key role in uncovering the alleged theft. After noticing unusual behaviour involving the truck, he called the emergency number and shared what he had seen. That report helped officers locate the vehicle and detain the people inside.
The French gendarmerie later thanked the driver for his vigilance, noting that such reports can be crucial in tackling crime targeting the haulage industry.
Full story Fuel thieves caught with remote-controlled diesel pump | trans.info
Share this:
