Indian Coast Guard Busts International Oil Smuggling Racket, Seizes Three Vessels in Arabian Sea

Post by : Saif Nasser

The Indian Coast Guard has uncovered a suspected international oil smuggling racket following a coordinated surveillance and interception operation in the Arabian Sea. Officials confirmed that three vessels were seized during the mission, which was launched after intelligence inputs indicated illegal offshore fuel transfer and cross-border smuggling activity.

According to initial reports, Coast Guard units tracked suspicious vessel movements and patterns consistent with unauthorized ship-to-ship oil transfers. Patrol ships and aerial surveillance assets were deployed to monitor the target vessels before interception teams moved in to stop and board them at sea. During inspection, authorities reportedly found irregular cargo documentation, modified storage arrangements, and transfer equipment believed to be used for illegal fuel movement.

All three vessels were escorted to port for detailed inspection, cargo verification, and forensic checks of navigation logs and communication records. Crew members are being questioned as part of the ongoing investigation. Agencies are working to determine the origin of the oil cargo, the intended destination, and the wider network of operators and financiers behind the suspected smuggling chain.

Security officials say oil smuggling at sea often involves mid-sea transfers, falsified manifests, identity masking through AIS manipulation, and layered ownership structures. Such activities can cause revenue losses, safety risks, and environmental threats. Authorities added that maritime domain awareness systems and inter-agency coordination played a key role in detecting and stopping the operation.

The case is expected to involve multiple enforcement and customs agencies as investigators trace financial links and cross-border connections. Further legal action will depend on cargo verification, vessel registry checks, and international maritime cooperation channels.

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