Qianjiang Police Crack Diesel Theft Case Using AI, Seize Wuling Hongguang and Underground Oil Collection Site

On May 14, a diesel theft occurred at a remote construction site in Qianjiang City, Hubei Province, with a total of 400 liters of diesel stolen from two excavators. Due to the absence of surveillance cameras at the scene, investigators initially lacked effective leads. During their on-site inspection, police discovered a set of fresh tire tracks with a wheelbase of 1,440 millimeters. Analysis using AI tools suggested the vehicle was likely a micro van or light-duty cargo vehicle. Authorities subsequently reviewed surveillance footage from surrounding areas, focusing on suspicious vehicles during nighttime hours, and identified a Wuling Hongguang minivan. The vehicle had been seen near the construction site around the time of the incident, and surveillance images showed a tube-like object resembling a fuel siphon in its rear compartment. Following the vehicle’s movements, police apprehended the suspect, identified as Dou, and seized the vehicle on the spot. Investigation revealed that the rear seats of the van had been removed and replaced with criminal tools, including a fuel pump, plastic fuel containers, and rubber hoses. Dou confessed to stealing the diesel. Based on this breakthrough, police uncovered and dismantled an illicit underground diesel collection and resale operation. The case remains under further investigation.