Authorities in Colombia and Mexico dismantle fuel theft networks

In Colombia, Operation HEXANO, a joint effort by the National Police, Military Forces, and the Attorney General's Office, resulted in the arrest of 22 individuals linked to illegal hydrocarbon theft across five departments. Authorities report the network illicitly obtained approximately one million gallons of oil and derivatives between January 2025 and September 2026, causing losses exceeding $1.2 billion. Investigations suggest the proceeds from this clandestine sales financed armed groups, including the ELN, Los Pachenca, and Clan del Golfo. The operation also identified public officials allegedly involved in leaking privileged technical information.

In Mexico, the Attorney General's Office (FGR) seized 1.5 million liters of fuel and more than 100 vehicles, including 71 tankers, during four raids in Reynosa, Tamaulipas. Two individuals, identified as Manuel “N” and Andrés “N”, were detained and linked to the process. The investigation, which began in July 2026, targeted a criminal organization involved in the illegal storage, transport, and commercialization of diesel, naphtha, and gasoline.