On October 17, 2026, Headquarters Patrol Deputies responded to Poole Commercial Fuels, located in the 3000 block of Vineyard Avenue in the unincorporated area of Oxnard, regarding a reported data breach that resulted in the fraudulent use of the company’s credit cards. The victim reported that more than $113,000 had been fraudulently charged to the company’s accounts.
Headquarters Detectives met with Poole Commercial Fuels administration and reviewed a detailed list of the fraudulent transactions. Detectives confirmed the company’s financial loss was approximately $113,000 and determined that several fraudulent purchases had been made at gas stations throughout Ventura County.
Detectives immediately began contacting local gas stations and working with employees to identify the suspects. During the investigation, detectives learned the suspects were purchasing as much as $2,500 worth of fuel during a single visit, using multiple stolen credit cards to complete the transactions.
Detectives also suspected the vehicles involved had been modified to store unusually large quantities of fuel. By reviewing surveillance footage from local gas stations, detectives obtained license plate information for the suspect vehicles. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Flock Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system assisted detectives in identifying the vehicles and connecting them to additional fuel thefts throughout Ventura County.
On November 4, 2026, Headquarters Detectives received information that the suspects were again using stolen credit card information at gas stations in the Newbury Park area. Headquarters Detectives, along with detectives from the West County Special Enforcement Unit, responded to the area. By the time detectives arrived, the suspect had already stolen approximately $900 worth of fuel and left the location.
Using the Sheriff’s Office Flock ALPR system, detectives were able to relocate the suspect vehicle at another gas station. Detectives subsequently located and detained the suspect at a gas station in the 2000 block of Borchard Road in Newbury Park. Further investigation revealed the suspect had again used stolen credit card information to fraudulently purchase approximately $800 worth of fuel.
Detectives identified the suspect as Tigran Gabrielian (DOB: 08/11/1965), of Murrieta, California. During a search incident to arrest, detectives located multiple blank credit cards in Gabrielian’s possession. Each card had a Post-it note attached containing an expiration date and PIN number. Gabrielian was also in possession of a large sum of cash, which was seized as evidence.
During the investigation, detectives examined the truck Gabrielian was driving, which appeared to be an ordinary work utility vehicle. Upon closer inspection, detectives discovered additional fuel tanks and large fuel bladders concealed inside the truck. The vehicle was also equipped with a pump system, including a handle and meter, allowing fuel to be transferred and measured. The truck was seized as evidence.
Gabrielian was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility on nine counts of identity theft (Penal Code Section 530.5(a)) and grand theft (Penal Code Section 487(a)).
This investigation remains ongoing, and detectives believe multiple additional suspects may be involved. The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding these thefts to come forward. Headquarters Detectives will continue pursuing all available leads and working to identify those responsible.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to working closely with local businesses and community members. When businesses in our community are victimized by criminals, our deputies and detectives will work diligently alongside them to investigate these crimes, identify those responsible, and pursue justice. We will continue to use every available resource to protect our businesses, support our community, and ensure those who prey on others are held accountable for their actions. |
