Indian Coast Guard intercepts three vessels off Mumbai, busting international oil-smuggling racket
The Indian Coast Guard intercepted three suspect vessels about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai on 5 February 2026, busting an international oil-smuggling racket in a coordinated sea-air operation.
Summary
The Indian Coast Guard intercepted three suspect vessels about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai on 5 February 2026 and apprehended them after boarding, in a sea-air operation on 5–6 February. Its surveillance systems had spotted a motor tanker acting suspiciously in India's Exclusive Economic Zone, and data analysis showed two more vessels converging on it. The syndicate shipped cheap oil from conflict-hit regions and transferred it mid-sea to motor tankers in international waters, evading duties owed to coastal states including India. The vessels frequently changed identities, and their owners appear to be based abroad. They were to be escorted to Mumbai and handed to Customs and other agencies.
Key facts
- Interception
- 5 February 2026, ~100 nm west of Mumbai
- Vessels
- 3 apprehended
- Modus operandi
- Mid-sea ship-to-ship transfer of cheap oil to motor tankers in international waters
- Detection
- ICG technology-enabled surveillance; data pattern analysis
- Next
- Escort to Mumbai; handover to Customs
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Where did the Indian Coast Guard intercept three vessels of an oil-smuggling racket on 5 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — About 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai
The three suspect vessels were intercepted about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai.
Consider the following about the oil-smuggling racket busted by the Coast Guard in February 2026: 1. Oil was transferred mid-sea to motor tankers in international waters. 2. The vessels were to be handed over to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence alone, without involving Customs. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The ICG said the vessels would be handed over to Indian Customs and other law enforcement agencies.