Fuel Stolen from Moving Trucks: Three Modalities Used by Criminals on Guatemala's South Coast Revealed

A concerning wave of sophisticated fuel theft is plaguing the South Coast of Guatemala, with criminal organizations employing increasingly brazen tactics to drain fuel from tanker trucks while they are in motion. Prensa Libre has investigated three primary modalities identified by affected companies and authorities, highlighting the persistent challenge faced by the transport sector. These methods, ranging from the insidious 'robo hormiga' where fuel is siphoned off gradually, to outright hijackings and the use of advanced GPS blockers to evade detection, underscore the organized nature of these criminal enterprises. The impact is significant, with businesses reporting potential weekly losses amounting to Q1 million. Despite arrests and ongoing investigations by the Public Ministry and the National Civil Police, the thefts continue unabated. This situation is particularly galling for Guatemalan businesses, which operate under significant logistical and security pressures. While international news might frame this as a simple crime issue, for us in Guatemala, it represents a direct threat to commerce and economic stability in a vital region. The audacity of stealing fuel from moving trucks, often involving the kidnapping of drivers, speaks to a level of impunity that demands a robust and immediate response from authorities. The reliance on modified pickup trucks and the exploitation of blind spots in security systems show a disturbing level of adaptation by these criminal groups.

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They drive the pickup trucks at the same speed as the tanker to avoid the GPS detecting that it has stopped. The thieves connect a hose to the top and, while it's moving, they steal the fuel.