Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Nationwide Semi Truck Arsons

Viorel Pricop targeted Swift Transportation trucks across multiple states over a year-long spree.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:15am

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A 67-year-old man named Viorel Pricop was sentenced to 10 years in prison for setting fires to dozens of semi trucks across the country, including several in Arizona. Pricop targeted Phoenix-based Swift Transportation in retaliation for an investigation by the company that led to his previous tax and theft convictions in 2018.

Why it matters

Arson attacks on commercial vehicles can pose serious public safety risks and cause significant economic damage, especially for targeted companies like Swift Transportation. This case highlights the need for robust security measures and close coordination between law enforcement and the trucking industry to prevent such crimes.

The details

Over the course of a year-long arson spree starting in October 2021, Pricop set fires to semi trucks at gas stations and rest areas along Interstate 10 and Interstate 40 between California and Alabama. Two of the arsons happened in Willcox, Arizona and one in Holbrook, Arizona. Pricop targeted Swift Transportation specifically because an investigation by the company had led to his previous tax and theft convictions in 2018, for which he spent two years behind bars.

  • The arson spree began in October 2021.
  • Pricop was sentenced to 10 years in prison on February 3, 2026.

The players

Viorel Pricop

A 67-year-old man who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for setting fires to dozens of semi trucks across multiple states, including in Arizona.

Swift Transportation

A Phoenix-based trucking company that was targeted by Pricop in his year-long arson spree, in retaliation for a previous investigation by the company that led to his tax and theft convictions.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the need for robust security measures and close coordination between law enforcement and the trucking industry to prevent such targeted arson attacks, which can have far-reaching consequences for public safety and the economy.