Tigran Gabrielian, 61, of Murrieta was arrested Wednesday, Nov. 4, at a Newbury Park gas station on nine counts of identity theft and grand theft.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Office (VCSO) alleges Gabrielian played a role in a fuel theft operation that racked up more than $113,000 in fraudulent charges against a Ventura County business, as KTLA reported.

The investigation began Oct. 17 when deputies responded to a data breach at Poole Commercial Fuels, located on Vineyard Avenue near North Patterson Road in an unincorporated area of Oxnard, according to NBC Los Angeles. Company representatives reported more than $113,000 in unauthorized charges to their accounts.

Detectives determined that fraudulent fuel purchases had been made at gas stations throughout Ventura County. Suspects were allegedly using multiple stolen credit cards to buy as much as $2,500 worth of fuel in a single visit, according to the VCSO.

Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from local gas stations and used the sheriff's office's Flock Automated License Plate Reader system to identify suspect vehicles.

The arrest

On Nov. 4, detectives learned that stolen credit card data had been used again at a Newbury Park gas station. A suspect allegedly purchased about $900 worth of fuel before leaving.

Detectives tracked Gabrielian's truck to a second gas station in the 2000 block of Borchard Road in Newbury Park, where he had allegedly bought another $800 worth of fuel, according to KTLA. He was detained there.

What deputies found

The truck looked like an ordinary utility work vehicle. It was not.

Deputies discovered concealed fuel tanks and large fuel bladders hidden inside, according to the VCSO. The vehicle also had a pump system with a dispensing handle and meter, allowing fuel to be transferred and measured. The truck was seized as evidence.

Detectives found multiple blank credit cards in Gabrielian's possession. Each card had a sticky note listing an expiration date and personal identification number (PIN). Authorities also seized a large amount of cash, NBC Los Angeles reported.

Investigation ongoing

Gabrielian was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. The counts are allegations, and Gabrielian has not been convicted.

The VCSO said the investigation remains ongoing and that detectives believe multiple additional suspects may be involved. No response from Gabrielian or an attorney representing him appears in public reporting as of publication.

Anyone with information about the case can call the Ventura County Sheriff's Office at 805-654-9511.