Indian Coast Guard Busts International Oil-Smuggling Racket Near Mumbai, Seizes Three Vessels

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has successfully dismantled a major international oil-smuggling network following a meticulously planned sea-air operation conducted between February 5 and 6, 2026. The high-risk operation, carried out nearly 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai, led to the interception and seizure of three vessels operating illegally within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

According to official sources, the crackdown was aimed at a criminal syndicate engaged in the covert transportation of oil consignments originating from conflict-affected regions. These shipments were being illegally transferred mid-sea in an attempt to bypass customs duties, maritime regulations, and international monitoring mechanisms.

The operation was triggered after technology-enabled maritime surveillance systems flagged suspicious vessel movements and unusual convergence patterns in the Arabian Sea. Acting on these inputs, the Coast Guard swiftly deployed its aircraft and offshore patrol vessels to the designated area.

“Advanced digital surveillance and data-pattern analysis detected abnormal vessel behaviour,” a senior ICG official said. “Based on these real-time inputs, we mounted a coordinated response to prevent the illegal transfer of oil cargo.”

Specialized Coast Guard boarding teams carried out detailed inspections of the suspect vessels on February 5. The searches involved verification of ship documents, examination of electronic navigation and communication records, and extensive questioning of crew members.

Investigators were able to reconstruct the entire sequence of events using digital evidence recovered onboard, which revealed that the ships were part of a well-coordinated international smuggling operation with handlers operating across multiple jurisdictions.

Preliminary findings suggest that the syndicate routinely used seagoing vessels to transport low-cost oil and conducted ship-to-ship transfers in international waters. This method is commonly employed to conceal the true origin of cargo and avoid customs levies imposed by coastal nations, including India.

“The operation uncovered a highly sophisticated modus operandi supported by a global network of handlers,” the official added, underscoring the complexity and scale of the racket.

Further investigation revealed that the seized vessels frequently altered their names, flags, and digital identities to evade detection by maritime law enforcement agencies. Such tactics are typically used by transnational criminal groups to remain under the radar while conducting illicit trade.

Authorities have also confirmed the presence of an international dimension in the case, with foreign entities suspected to be linked to the ownership and operational control of the vessels.

After corroborating both digital and physical evidence, the Indian Coast Guard formally seized all three vessels. They are currently being escorted to Mumbai, where they are expected to be handed over to Indian Customs and other enforcement agencies for further investigation and legal proceedings.

Senior officials described the operation as a significant breakthrough in India’s ongoing efforts to combat transnational maritime crime and protect its economic and strategic interests at sea.

“This successful interception highlights the Indian Coast Guard’s growing capability to leverage technology, intelligence-sharing, and sustained maritime presence to counter complex and evolving threats in the maritime domain,” an ICG spokesperson said.

Officials added that the bust reinforces India’s commitment to upholding a rules-based international maritime order and strengthens its role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.