HERNANDO COUNTY, FL — Detectives with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office arrested Rafael Cruz-Arencibia, 36, of Spring Hill, on July 23, 2025, for his involvement in a sophisticated scheme involving counterfeit credit cards and large-scale fuel theft.
Cruz-Arencibia faces multiple charges including Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card and Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information. Authorities allege he used re-encoded gift cards loaded with stolen banking data to unlawfully purchase large amounts of diesel fuel from local stations.
His arrest followed an initial booking on July 11 on several fraud-related charges, which prompted further investigation. During a search of his 2006 Volkswagen Jetta, detectives discovered additional counterfeit credit cards and a hidden, permanently installed fuel tank in the vehicle’s trunk. This concealed tank could hold nearly 70 gallons—far exceeding the standard 14.5-gallon factory tank.
Investigators found that Cruz-Arencibia used a selector switch to transfer fuel from the factory tank to the hidden tank without removing the fuel nozzle, allowing him to steal large volumes discreetly.
As a result, he was charged with Trafficking in or Possession of Counterfeit Credit Cards and Unlawful Conveyance of Fuel. Cruz-Arencibia remains held without bond at the Hernando County Detention Center.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office continues efforts to dismantle fraudulent operations impacting the community and local businesses. The investigation remains active.
