April 14, 2026 l By William Emma
Two men have been arrested in Mississauga after police uncovered separate fuel-card fraud schemes at local gas stations, in a case that highlights growing concerns over sophisticated financial crimes targeting the transportation sector.
According to Peel Regional Police, officers responded to two separate fraud-in-progress calls earlier this month, leading to the arrests of suspects accused of using cloned fuel cards to obtain diesel from gas stations.
The first incident occurred on April 1 near Dixie Road and Britannia Road East, where police say a suspect was distributing fraudulent fuel cards to truck drivers. Investigators allege that one driver used a card to obtain more than $330 worth of diesel before returning it to the suspect.
Authorities arrested 27-year-old Praven Wijayanantham of Toronto at the scene. Police say he was found with multiple fuel cards, mobile phones, a laptop, and a card-scanning device used to copy payment data.
Investigators allege the scheme involved stealing legitimate payment information from trucking companies, cloning their fleet fuel cards, and then offering discounted fuel to independent drivers—while the actual cost was charged back to the victim companies.
A second arrest was made on April 9 at another gas station near Atlantic Drive and Britannia Road East. Police say a suspect used fraudulent cards to fuel four trucks, racking up more than $2,200 in diesel.
Officers arrested 28-year-old Thanisan Thanabalasingam of Brampton, seizing additional fraudulent cards, an unauthorized credit card, and mobile devices. Both suspects now face multiple fraud-related charges, and investigations remain ongoing.
Police are warning trucking companies and drivers to remain vigilant, noting that offers of heavily discounted fuel or unusual payment arrangements may be signs of fraud. Authorities also cautioned that individuals who knowingly participate in such schemes could face criminal charges.
The case underscores how fuel theft and payment fraud are evolving into more organized and technology-driven crimes, posing financial risks to businesses and highlighting the need for stronger safeguards in the fuel and transportation industries.