Indian Coast Guard Busts International Oil Smuggling Racket In Mid-Sea Operation

Last Updated:February 07, 2026, 12:29 IST

According to official sources, the syndicate was involved in smuggling large quantities of cheap oil and oil-based cargo from conflict-ridden regions

The Indian Coast Guard has busted an international oil cargo smuggling syndicate in a daring mid-sea operation off the west coast of India. The operation was carried out on February 6, following days of sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering.

According to official sources, the syndicate was involved in smuggling large quantities of cheap oil and oil-based cargo from conflict-ridden regions. The oil was illegally transferred mid-sea to motor tankers in international waters and then routed for profit, bypassing customs duties and regulations imposed by coastal states.

Three vessels were intercepted about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai on February 5. The Coast Guard deployed specialist boarding teams to conduct detailed searches of the suspect ships. Investigators examined onboard documents, electronic data, and navigation records. Crew members were also questioned at length. This process helped establish the full chain of events and exposed the modus operandi of the smugglers.

The operation was triggered after Coast Guard surveillance systems flagged a motor tanker showing suspicious movement inside the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone. A digital investigation was launched immediately. Pattern analysis of nearby vessel traffic revealed two additional ships that appeared to be coordinating with the tanker. These vessels were suspected of conducting illicit ship-to-ship transfers of oil at sea.

When Coast Guard teams boarded the ships, the digital findings were confirmed on the ground. Evidence suggested that the vessels frequently changed names and identification details to evade law enforcement agencies across different regions. Preliminary investigations also indicate that the owners of the vessels are based outside India.

Officials said the vessels will likely be escorted to Mumbai. They will be handed over to Indian Customs and other law enforcement agencies for further investigation and legal action.

The Coast Guard said the operation highlights the growing use of technology in maritime surveillance. Digital tracking, data analysis, and real-time coordination played a crucial role in identifying and intercepting the suspects at sea.

The bust once again underlines India’s role as a key provider of maritime security in the region. It also reinforces the country’s commitment to enforcing international maritime laws and maintaining a rules-based order on the high seas.

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