New Delhi: A joint sea and air operation by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Friday uncovered an international oil-smuggling network operating off India’s western coastline.
The operation exposed a well-organised syndicate involved in illegal mid-sea fuel transfers in international waters.
Acting on technology-driven surveillance and data pattern analysis, ICG units intercepted three suspect vessels around 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai. Investigators found that the network sourced cheap oil from conflict-affected regions and transferred it mid-sea to motor tankers to avoid duties owed to coastal states.
Officials said sustained searches of the vessels, along with electronic data verification and questioning of crew members, helped uncover the full modus operandi. The probe also revealed links to an international handler network that coordinated the smuggling operations.
The intercepted vessels frequently changed their identities to evade detection, investigators said. All three ships are now being escorted to Mumbai for further legal proceedings.
The successful operation highlights the ICG’s growing role in countering maritime crime. Authorities said the action reinforces India’s position as a key provider of maritime security and a strong defender of the rules-based international order at sea.
In a post on X, the ICG said: “The vessels known to frequently change identity, are being escorted to #Mumbai for further legal action, reinforcing India’s role as a net provider of maritime security and guardian of the rules based international order.”
