New Delhi: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Saturday announced the dismantling of an international oil smuggling syndicate, apprehending multiple vessels about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai during a mid-sea operation.
According to the Indian Coast Guard , the vessels were involved in smuggling large volumes of cheap oil and oil-based cargo from conflict-affected countries, transferring the cargo mid-sea to motor tankers in international waters for profit.
Describing the operation as a “daring mid-sea intervention,” the Coast Guard highlighted that the mission relied on digital surveillance and its extensive maritime presence, reinforcing India’s role as a provider of maritime safety and enforcer of international rules-based order.
Operation Details
Three vessels were intercepted by Indian Coast Guard ships on February 5, roughly 100 nautical miles off Mumbai. Through detailed inspection, verification of onboard documents, corroboration of electronic data, and crew interrogation, the Coast Guard’s specialist boarding team uncovered the vessels’ criminal network and modus operandi.
Investigations revealed that the vessels frequently changed identities to evade law enforcement. Vessel owners are reportedly based overseas, and the smuggling syndicate operates through a network of handlers across multiple countries, coordinating illegal oil transfers at sea.
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The Indian Coast Guard stated that its tech-driven surveillance systems initially detected a motor tanker engaging in suspicious activity within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Digital investigations identified two additional vessels involved in similar illicit transfers, evading duties owed to coastal states, including India.
Next Steps
On February 5, specialist boarding teams confirmed the digital evidence and successfully apprehended the vessels. They are expected to be escorted to Mumbai for further investigation and handed over to Indian Customs and law enforcement agencies for legal action.
The operation underscores the Indian Coast Guard commitment to curbing maritime crime and safeguarding India’s waters from international smuggling networks.