The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has uncovered and stopped an international oil smuggling racket through a special sea-and-air surveillance operation.
Officials said the group was using ships to illegally transport large quantities of cheap oil and oil-based cargo from countries affected by conflict. The smugglers then tried to sell the oil at higher prices to make huge illegal profits.
During the investigation, the Coast Guard found that the smugglers were using a clever method. They carried out mid-sea transfers, moving the illegal oil from one vessel to another in international waters. This was done to avoid detection and hide the origin of the cargo.
The operation took place after authorities intercepted three suspicious vessels about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai on the 5th of this month. After monitoring their movements, the Coast Guard launched action and seized the ships involved.
Officials said the crackdown has dealt a major blow to illegal oil trade networks and helped protect India’s maritime security and economy.