(WO) — A multistate investigation into organized petroleum theft has resulted in six arrests and the seizure of more than $12 million in petroleum products, vehicles, cash and other assets, according to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC).
Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian
Operation Black Market Basin resulted in charges including felony oil theft, money laundering and organized crime. In mid-August, authorities seized approximately 2,600 bbl of petroleum products valued at more than $220,000, along with 60 vehicles valued at more than $2.8 million, $786,215 in cash and bank accounts containing more than $8 million.
The investigation involved petroleum allegedly acquired and sold across multiple states, including Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma.
“This is a victory for Texas’ oil and gas industry and for the hardworking men and women who produce the energy that powers our state and nation,” RRC Commissioner Wayne Christian said. “Criminal enterprises that believe they can steal Texas oil, undermine legitimate producers and profit at their expense should think again.”
Oilfield theft has become a significant concern for Texas operators. In the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas’ third-quarter 2025 Energy Survey, 41% of oil and gas exploration and production executives reported that theft had affected their operations during the previous year.
In the Permian basin, an FBI-led task force has estimated that operators lose as much as $300,000 per month from theft of equipment including tools, pipe and valves.
The RRC has increased coordination with law enforcement through its regulatory and enforcement activities. The State Task Force on Petroleum Theft, or STOPTheft, established by the Texas Legislature under Senate Bill 494, provides a statewide framework for cooperation among the oil and gas industry and local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
The task force studies petroleum theft and recommends measures to combat the problem, while the RRC works directly with law enforcement when suspected criminal activity extends beyond the commission’s regulatory authority.
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