A 33-year-old businessman in Alicante has been arrested on suspicion of using the identity of an employee and a renter from his industrial warehouse to buy 4,000 liters of gasoline for fraudulent purposes. The fuel involved was Type B diesel, subsidized by the state, and the incident is linked to a 1,600 euro loss to the public treasury, according to statements from the Provincial Police Station. The individual faces accusations of extortion and fraud in connection with the case.
The investigation began after a woman reported an assault linked to her civilian status. She told investigators that the suspect, acting as the boss and owner of a shipping company, had purchased 2,000 liters of subsidized diesel, a fuel intended for specific uses such as agricultural and industrial machinery, fishing boats, or heating. The suspect allegedly used the fuel for purposes outside those allowed, without consent from the owners or authorized users.
Economics and Financial Crime Group (UDEF) officers from Alicante uncovered that the suspect was not a single victim in the scheme. They alleged that he orchestrated another purchase in the name of the owner and tenant of the industrial warehouse where the transport company he manages operates, involving another 2,000 liters of diesel.
Authorities collected testimonies from the second victim and from the director of the fuel supplier. It is alleged that the perpetrator obtained the personal data of both victims without authorization and used those identities to facilitate the fraudulent purchase of subsidized diesel.
During the period in question, the price difference between standard diesel, referred to as Diesel A, and subsidized Diesel B stood at around 40 cents per liter. This discrepancy accumulated to an estimated fraud amount of 1,600 euros to the public treasury.
diesel type B
Diesel Type B, or subsidized diesel, receives tax relief from the treasury for designated uses. These include agricultural vehicles, industrial machinery, fishing boats, or heating systems. It is not permitted for transportation diesel used by private vehicles. The fuel is chemically or visually marked to distinguish it from regular Diesel A, often with a dye or additive for easy identification. Misuse can result in fines ranging from 601 euros to 12,000 euros and may lead to vehicle immobilization for up to 12 months in cases of fraud against the public treasury. The penalties reinforce the eligibility rules surrounding subsidized diesel and emphasize compliance across sectors affected by the subsidy program.