Indian Coast Guard Dismantles International Oil Smuggling Syndicate in Arabian Sea Operation
Escorted to Mumbai, the vessels await further investigation by customs and other agencies.
ARABIAN SEA — On February 5-6, the Indian Coast Guard executed a coordinated sea-air operation intercepting three vessels involved in illicit mid-sea transfers of oil-based cargo from conflict regions.
Detection occurred through technology-enabled surveillance identifying suspicious activity within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Boarding teams confirmed the syndicate’s operations via electronic data, documents, and crew interrogations.
The network transported low-cost oil to evade substantial duties, utilizing seagoing vessels for mid-sea offloading to motor tankers in international waters. Initial findings indicate foreign-based owners and multi-country handlers. Apprehended vessels frequently changed identities to avoid law enforcement.
This interception highlights efforts to combat maritime smuggling threatening economic security. Escorted to Mumbai, the vessels await further investigation by customs and other agencies.
