DPS Operation Targets Organized Oilfield Theft Enterprise, Millions of Dollars in Assets Seized (DPS - West Texas Region)
Midland – On Aug. 12, 2026, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal Investigations Division's (CID) Organized Oilfield Theft Prevention Unit, in coordination with multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, executed a series of search and arrest warrants as part of a long-term investigation into an alleged criminal enterprise involved in the trafficking of stolen petroleum products.
The investigation focused on a Texas-based oil and gas company doing business as Vallee, suspected of participating in the organized theft and trafficking of petroleum products. To date, investigators have executed 17 search warrants in Reeves, Rockwall, Kaufman, and Hunt counties in Texas, as well as Garvin County, Oklahoma.
As a result of the investigation, six individuals, including members of the company's corporate leadership, have been arrested on state charges being prosecuted by the 143rd Judicial District Attorney's Office.
The August operations have also resulted in the seizure of significant assets pursuant to asset forfeiture proceedings, including:
● 60 motor vehicles and off-road vehicles valued at approximately $2.85 million
● 34 luxury watches and pieces of jewelry valued at approximately $443,000
● $786,215 in U.S. currency
● Approximately 2,600 barrels of petroleum products with an estimated market value of $220,402
● Eight bank accounts with estimated values totaling more than $8 million
The operation was conducted by DPS CID's Organized Oilfield Theft Prevention Unit in partnership with the 143rd Judicial District Attorney's Office, Reeves County Sheriff's Office, Loving County Sheriff's Office, FBI El Paso Midland Resident Agency, DPS CID North Texas Region, and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Additional assistance was provided by the Kermit Police Department, Midland County Sheriff's Office, Ward County Sheriff's Office, Rockwall County District Attorney's Office, Hunt County Sheriff's Office, and Kaufman County District Attorney's Office.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional arrests and seizures are anticipated.
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(DPS –West Texas Region)
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