Miramar man faces fraud charges in multiple cities over fuel and oil, cops say
A Miramar man was arrested for fraud and theft charges while a similar case remains in progress in Pembroke Pines, according to investigators.
Riyadh Gabbara, 70, was hit with felony charges totaling over $280,000 in both cases.
Gabbara worked through his company, ME Global Oil Holding LLC, to form an agreement with the victim to sell $140 million worth of jet fuel, Miramar police say.
After executing a contract in 2023, the victim sent Gabbara a $200,000 deposit.
Receiving no confirmation of shipment for the fuel, the victim repeatedly tried to contact Gabbara, including by attorney, according to police.
After he was contacted by the victim’s lawyer, Gabbara agreed to a repayment plan, but never made any payments, according to the arrest documents.
He then allegedly used the money for his and his wife’s personal benefit. Gabbara was arrested on grand theft and fraud on Tuesday, May 5.
Gabbara’s lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Miramar News on May 11.
ME Global Oil Holding LLC is the subject of the Pembroke Pines case as well.
Police say the victim in this case lost $82,100 attempting to buy crude palm oil from Gabbara in 2022. He continuously solicited funds from the victim without providing proof of shipment.
When the victim, a Pembroke Pines business owner, demanded his money back, Gabbara returned $60,000 and later wrote a check for $125,000, according to the arrest documents.
The check bounced, since Gabbara only had $200 in his account. Police say he refused in writing to pay the victim any more.
Gabbara was arrested by Pembroke Pines Police for fraud in November 2025.
This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 2:57 PM with the headline "Miramar man faces fraud charges in multiple cities over fuel and oil, cops say."
