Alleged diesel thief accused of stealing $1.1m of fuel from Queensland depots as Middle East war causes shortages
Police allegedly found tanks of fuel stacked in the Queensland man’s backyard.
More than $1 million worth of diesel has allegedly been stolen in southeast Queensland.
A 48-year-old man from Greenbank is accused of using stolen fuel cards to collect the diesel from unmanned diesel depots.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Charges laid over allegedly stolen fuel in Queensland.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The man allegedly hit depots in Parkinson, Bundamba and Karawatha between December 2024 and December 2025.
He was charged on March 24 this year, less than a month after the US and Israel launched their war in Iran.
The conflict continues to impact the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting the global fuel supply which depends on access through the strategic waterway.
There were 32 petrol stations in Queensland, and 216 nationwide, that had run completely dry of diesel as of Thursday.
Queensland Police alleged it had found evidence of the diesel on the man’s Greenbank property when officers executed a search warrant last month.
Other allegedly stolen property and a home-made taser device were also found.
He was charged with seven offences including two counts of receiving tainted property and one count each of fraud to the value of at least $100,000, enter premises and commit indictable offence.
“Whether it’s one tank of fuel or a large-scale diesel fraud, stealing is an offence which can land you before the court,” Queensland Police acting detective inspector Justin Anderson said.
The 48-year-old man first appeared before Richlands Magistrates Court on March 25.
He remains in custody to reappear in court on May 15.
Originally published on 7NEWS
