HUNDREDS of members of a national criminal organisation selling 'doctored' diesel at knock-down prices have been arrested.
At least nine different gangs operating in 11 of Spain's 17 autonomous regions, throughout 23 provinces, were said to be colluding with service stations with under-the-mattress dealing of fuel which had been tampered with before being sold to the public at just over half the price of 'genuine' diesel.
The service stations which sold it did not pay tax on the proceeds, but the exact amount defrauded has not yet been fully calculated.
Thousands of motorists are believed to have filled up with the knock-off diesel, which could potentially have damaged their cars.
Police say diesel type B, used for agricultural vehicles and machinery, and type C, used for industrial heating, was altered by adding hydrocarburates and other substances to make it look like type A, used by cars and lorries, and to dilute it in order to increase its volume.
The much more refined type A is of greater quality than the other two, contains additives to increase performance when in contact with heat and reduce pollution, as well as making it safe to use in the more delicate engines of cars.
Using industrial fuel, especially diluted, leaves dirty residue on the engine, pollutes more, and if used regularly and long term, will cause the car to break down – normally irreparably.
Read more at thinkSPAIN.com