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Indian Coast Guard Busts International Oil Smuggling Ring in Mid-Sea Operation

The Indian Coast Guard has busted an international oil smuggling syndicate through a daring mid-sea operation. Three vessels were intercepted about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai after digital surveillance detected suspicious activity. The syndicate's modus operandi involved smuggling cheap oil from conflict-ridden countries and conducting illicit mid-sea transfers to evade duties. The vessels, which frequently changed identity, are being escorted to Mumbai for further investigation by customs and law enforcement.

Key Points: Coast Guard Busts International Oil Smuggling Syndicate

  • Three vessels intercepted 100 nm west of Mumbai
  • Syndicate smuggled cheap oil from conflict zones
  • Vessels used fake identities to evade capture
  • Digital surveillance and pattern analysis key to bust
2 min read

Indian Coast Guard busts international oil cargo smuggling syndicate in a daring mid sea operation

Indian Coast Guard intercepts three vessels in a major mid-sea operation, busting an international oil cargo smuggling network.

"The operation... once again establishes India as a net provider of maritime safety and enforcer of the international rules-based order - Official Release"

New Delhi, February 7

The Indian Coast Guard busted an international oil smuggling racket on Friday through an intricate sea-air network.

According to an official release, the vessels involved devised a method to smuggle large volumes of cheap oil and oil-based cargo from conflict-ridden countries and profit by mid-sea transfer to motor tankers in international waters.

The syndicate consists of a network of handlers operating from various countries, coordinating the sale and transfer between seagoing vessels. Three vessels were intercepted by ICG ships, about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai on Thursday, and through sustained rummaging, corroboration of electronic data onboard the suspect vessels, verification of documents and interrogation of the crew, the ICG specialist boarding team established the chain of incidents and the modus operandi of the criminals.

ICG tech-inclusive systems detected a motor tanker conducting suspicious activity in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zones, prompting a digital investigation into the actions of the vessel. ICG further undertook data pattern analysis of other vessels closing in on the vessel and identified two other vessels as possible suspects involved in the illicit transfer of oil-based cargo at sea, evading significant duties owed to the coastal states, including India, the release stated.

On Thursday, ICG specialist teams boarded the vessels and confirmed the accuracy of the digital evidence, leading to the apprehension of the vessels. The vessels are likely to be escorted to Mumbai for further investigation & handing over to Indian Customs and law enforcement agencies for further action.

The vessels were found to frequently change identity to evade law enforcement actions by coastal states. The vessel owners are based in other countries, as per initial investigations.

The operation, initiated through digital surveillance and enforced through the ever-expanding maritime presence of the Indian Coast Guard, once again establishes India as a net provider of maritime safety and enforcer of the international rules-based order, the release emphasised.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is a significant operation. Smuggling not only evades duties but can fund other illegal activities. Kudos to the ICG for their vigilance. Hope the investigation uncovers the entire network, including the handlers abroad.
V
Vikram M
Changing vessel identities... these criminals are clever. But our Coast Guard was cleverer! This is the kind of maritime security we need to protect our economic interests. The tax evasion on this scale must be huge.
P
Priya S
While the operation is commendable, I hope the follow-up investigation is just as robust. Often, the big fish operating from other countries escape. We need strong diplomatic pressure to extradite and punish the owners.
R
Rohit P
"Net provider of maritime safety" – proud to read that! 🇮🇳 Our coastline is vast and securing it is no small task. The men and women of the ICG deserve our full respect and better resources. Salute!
M
Michael C
Interesting to see the mention of conflict-ridden countries as the source. This kind of smuggling can destabilize regions further. Good that India is taking a lead in enforcing international rules in its EEZ.
K
Kavya N
This is fantastic news! But a part of me wonders how long this syndicate was operating before being caught. Hopefully

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