# Fuel smuggling and hydrocarbon theft in South America > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fuel-smuggling-and-hydrocarbon-theft-in-south-america > Updated: 2026-08-19T02:25:15.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Authorities in Colombia and Bolivia have intensified efforts to combat fuel smuggling and the illegal diversion of hydrocarbons. In Colombia, security forces in the Cesar department seized over 16,000 gallons of diesel and several vehicles, an operation estimated to impact criminal financing by approximately $730,190,000. Similarly, in Bolivia, the National Hydrocarbons Agency and police intercepted 1,430 liters of liquid fuel in the Potosí department through inspections of service stations and private residences. In the Tolima department of Colombia, the situation involved both physical seizures and the spread of misinformation. Following an operation where security forces intercepted three fuel tankers carrying 3,390 gallons of diesel due to regulatory inconsistencies, a fraudulent pamphlet circulated on social media. The document falsely claimed that the FARC-EP’s Jerónimo Galeano Front would target fuel transport vehicles. Local officials, including Governor Adriana Magali Matiz, officially debunked these claims to prevent public fear and commercial disruption. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-19: Tolima authorities debunk fake FARC-EP pamphlet targeting fuel transport Colombian authorities in Tolima have debunked a fake pamphlet attributed to the FARC-EP that threatened fuel transporters in the region following a recent diesel seizure in Ataco. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tolima-authorities-debunk-fake-farc-ep-pamphlet-targeting-fuel-transport ### 2026-08-12: Authorities combat fuel smuggling in Colombia and Bolivia Authorities in Colombia and Bolivia have seized thousands of liters of fuel and multiple vehicles during operations targeting illegal hydrocarbon smuggling and distribution networks. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/authorities-combat-fuel-smuggling-in-colombia-and-bolivia --- Cite as: Fuel smuggling and hydrocarbon theft in South America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fuel-smuggling-and-hydrocarbon-theft-in-south-america