Texas DPS executed search warrants, seized millions in assets, during oilfield theft and trafficking investigation
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) executed multiple warrants as part of an investigation into an organized oilfield theft organization.
This week, Texas DPS released details about an August 12, 2026, multi-agency operation during which officers “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.”
Officials say that the investigation is focused on Vallee, a Texas-based oil and gas company, which is “suspected of participating in the organized theft and trafficking of petroleum products.”
Six people, including members of Vallee’s corporate leadership, were arrested on state charges during the operation.
Also as part of the operation, Texas authorities seized millions of dollars worth of assets that are subject to forfeiture, 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
As part of the ongoing investigation, 17 search warrants have been executed in Reeves, Rockwall, Kaufman, and Hunt counties in Texas, as well as Garvin County, Oklahoma.
Additional arrests and asset seizures are expected as the investigation continues.
Agencies assisting Texas DPS in the investigation include 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, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, 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.