Schools, police precincts and hospitals are just some of the victims in what police are calling a massive heating oil and fuel fraud scheme in New York City.
Police say multiple agencies are involved in the investigation and that some of the companies charged are from the Bronx.
Officials say charges have been filed against F and S Distribution, Casanova Fuel Oil and Express Petroleum.
They say drivers would shorten deliveries to residential, commercial and municipal customers, and sell the rest of the stolen heating oil on the black market where it was purchased by other companies and customers.
They say more arrests are possible as the investigation continues.
Officials are looking to prevent future schemes through a task force to offer ideas to put an end to them.