Coast Guard Busts International Oil Smuggling Racket
Three vessels intercepted off Mumbai in coordinated sea–air operation
- Three suspect vessels intercepted 100 nautical miles off Mumbai
- Operation conducted through coordinated sea–air surveillance
- Syndicate used mid-sea transfers to evade duties
- Vessels likely to be taken to Mumbai for legal action
GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 7th Feb: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has dismantled an international oil smuggling network through a coordinated sea–air operation conducted between February 5 and 6, officials said on Friday.
Three suspect vessels were intercepted nearly 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai after maritime surveillance systems detected suspicious activity within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The operation involved coordinated deployment of Coast Guard ships and aerial surveillance assets.
Following the interception, specialist boarding teams conducted extensive searches, verified documents, analysed electronic data, and interrogated crew members. Investigations confirmed that the vessels were part of an organised syndicate involved in the illicit transfer of oil and oil-based cargo from conflict-affected regions.
According to officials, the network operated by transporting cheap oil on seagoing vessels and transferring it mid-sea to motor tankers in international waters, thereby evading duties owed to coastal states, including India. The operation uncovered handlers across multiple countries who coordinated the sale and transfer of cargo between vessels.
Digital tracking and pattern analysis had earlier identified a motor tanker engaged in suspicious movement. Further investigation revealed two additional vessels converging on the tanker, indicating an illegal ship-to-ship transfer operation.
All three vessels were apprehended after confirmation of digital evidence through physical boarding on February 5. Preliminary findings suggest the vessels frequently changed identities to avoid detection, and their owners are believed to be based in foreign countries.
The apprehended ships are expected to be escorted to Mumbai for further investigation before being handed over to Indian Customs and other enforcement agencies for legal action.
Officials said the operation highlights India’s growing maritime surveillance capabilities and reinforces the country’s role in maintaining security and enforcing a rules-based order at sea.
