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Three vessels intercepted mid-sea off Mumbai coast after digital surveillance
February 7, 2026: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Saturday said it has busted an international oil smuggling syndicate by apprehending three vessels during a daring mid-sea operation around 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai. The operation, carried out on February 5, was triggered after digital surveillance flagged suspicious activity by a motor tanker inside the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone, prompting a detailed investigation.
According to the ICG, the smuggling network was involved in illegally transporting large quantities of cheap oil and oil-based cargo sourced from conflict-ridden countries. The syndicate allegedly profited by transferring the cargo mid-sea to motor tankers in international waters, evading duties owed to coastal states. Investigations revealed that the vessels frequently changed their identities to avoid detection, while their owners were based in foreign countries and linked to a wider international network of handlers.
Specialist Coast Guard teams boarded the vessels, verified electronic data and documents, and interrogated crew members to establish the modus operandi of the criminals. The vessels are now likely to be escorted to Mumbai and handed over to Indian Customs and other law enforcement agencies for further action. The ICG said the successful operation reinforces India’s role as a net provider of maritime security and an enforcer of the international rules-based order.