In a meticulously planned sea-air operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has successfully dismantled a major international oil smuggling racket operating in the Arabian Sea. The two-day operation, conducted on February 5-6, 2026, led to the interception of three suspect vessels approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai. The operation underscores India's growing maritime vigilance and digital surveillance capabilities.

The operation began when the Coast Guard's technology-enabled surveillance systems detected a motor tanker engaged in suspicious activity within India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). A subsequent digital investigation and data pattern analysis of vessel movements revealed two additional vessels converging on the tanker. This convergence suggested a possible mid-sea transfer of oil-based cargo, designed to evade customs duties and scrutiny.

On February 5, Coast Guard ships intercepted all three vessels and initiated detailed rummaging operations. Specialist boarding teams then pieced together the full chain of events and confirmed the criminal modus operandi through electronic data recovered onboard, scrutiny of documents, and sustained interrogation of crew members.

The investigation revealed that the syndicate was using seagoing vessels to carry cheap oil, which was then offloaded mid-sea to motor tankers operating in international waters. This allowed the operators to mask the true origin and nature of the cargo and evade substantial duties owed to coastal states, including India. The oil and oil-based cargo were reportedly sourced from conflict-ridden regions. Initial findings suggest that the vessels frequently changed their identities to stay ahead of law enforcement tracking. Preliminary probes also indicate that the owners of the vessels are based in foreign countries, pointing to a wider international network behind the smuggling. The syndicate comprised handlers operating across multiple countries, coordinating the sale and transfer of cargo between vessels at sea. These handlers facilitated rendezvous points and cargo movements far from coastal monitoring zones.

All three vessels have been apprehended and are likely to be escorted to Mumbai. They will be handed over to Indian Customs and other agencies for further investigation and legal action.

This successful operation, initiated through advanced digital surveillance and enforced by the expanding maritime presence of the Indian Coast Guard, reaffirms India's role as a net security provider in the maritime domain. It also demonstrates India's commitment to enforcing the international rules-based order at sea.