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

The Indian Coast Guard has dismantled an international oil smuggling syndicate through a coordinated sea-air operation. Three vessels were intercepted approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai following digital surveillance that detected suspicious activity. Investigations revealed the racket involved smuggling cheap oil from conflict regions and conducting illicit mid-sea transfers to evade significant customs duties. The vessels, which frequently changed identities, are being escorted to Mumbai for further legal action by Indian authorities.

Key Points: Coast Guard Busts International Oil Smuggling Syndicate

  • Three vessels intercepted 100 nm west of Mumbai
  • Syndicate smuggled cheap oil from conflict zones
  • Used mid-sea transfers to evade duties
  • Vessels frequently changed identities
  • Network of handlers based in multiple countries
2 min read

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

Indian Coast Guard intercepts three vessels in a major mid-sea operation, busting an international oil smuggling racket evading customs duties.

"The operation... once again underscores India's role as a net provider of maritime safety - Indian Coast Guard"

New Delhi, February 7

The Indian Coast Guard busted an international oil cargo smuggling racket through a complex sea-air coordinated operation on February 6, officials said here on Saturday.

According to the ICG, the syndicate was involved in smuggling large volumes of cheap oil and oil-based cargo from conflict-ridden countries and transferring it mid-sea to motor tankers in international waters for profit. The racket was being operated through a network of handlers based in multiple countries, coordinating the sale and transfer of cargo between sea-going vessels.

Three vessels were intercepted by Indian Coast Guard ships about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai on February 5. Following sustained rummaging, verification of documents, corroboration of electronic data onboard the suspect vessels, and interrogation of crew members, ICG specialist boarding teams established the chain of events and the modus operandi of the smugglers.

The Coast Guard said its technology-enabled surveillance systems initially detected a motor tanker engaged in suspicious activity within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone, prompting a detailed digital investigation. Further data pattern analysis of vessels approaching the tanker identified two additional suspect vessels involved in the illicit mid-sea transfer of oil-based cargo, thereby evading significant duties owed to coastal states, including India.

On February 5, ICG specialist teams boarded the vessels and verified the digital evidence, which led to their apprehension. Preliminary investigations revealed that the vessels frequently changed their identities to evade law enforcement agencies of coastal states. The vessel owners are reportedly based in foreign countries.

The vessels are likely to be escorted to Mumbai for further investigation and handed over to Indian Customs and other law enforcement agencies for necessary legal action.

The Indian Coast Guard said the operation, initiated through digital surveillance and enforced by its expanding maritime presence, once again underscores India's role as a net provider of maritime safety and an enforcer of the international rules-based order.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Impressive use of technology and coordination. The detail about digital surveillance and data pattern analysis shows how advanced our maritime security has become. A strong message to anyone trying to exploit our waters.
A
Arjun K
Great job! But a question - these vessels frequently changed identities. Shouldn't there be a stronger international maritime database to prevent this? Our agencies are doing their part, but global cooperation seems weak.
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Priya S
This is the kind of news that makes me feel secure. With so much coastline, protecting our EEZ is crucial. The smugglers think they are smart, but our Coast Guard is smarter. Kudos to all the personnel involved!
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Vikram M
"Net provider of maritime safety" – well said. This isn't just about India. Such operations stabilize the entire region's trade and security. The money lost in duties affects our development. Need strict punishment.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, while the operation is commendable, I hope the investigation is transparent and leads to convictions. Often, the big fish operating from foreign countries escape. The focus should be on dismantling the entire syndicate, not just seizing ships.

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