The Indian Coast Guard has foiled a major international oil smuggling racket in the Arabian Sea, in a high-stakes sea–air operation that underscores India’s growing maritime vigilance and digital surveillance capability.
The two-day operation on February 5–6, 2026 led to the interception of three suspect vessels about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai and the unravelling of a complex network moving cheap oil from conflict-hit regions through the high seas, according to the Defence ministry.
How the racket was busted
The operation began when the Coast Guard’s technology-enabled surveillance systems picked up a motor tanker showing suspicious movement inside India’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
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A deeper digital probe and data pattern analysis of vessel tracks then revealed two more ships converging on the tanker, pointing to a possible mid-sea transfer of oil-based cargo meant to dodge customs duties and scrutiny.
On February 5, Coast Guard ships intercepted all three vessels and launched detailed rummaging operations. Electronic data recovered on board, scrutiny of documents and sustained interrogation of crew members helped specialist boarding teams piece together the full chain of events and confirm the criminal modus operandi.
Modus operandi and international links
Investigators found 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.
Preliminary findings suggest that the vessels frequently changed their identities to stay ahead of law enforcement tracking. Initial probes also indicate that the owners of the vessels are based in foreign countries, pointing to a wider international network behind the smuggling.
What happens next: Legal action
All three vessels have been apprehended and are likely to be escorted to Mumbai, where they will be handed over to Indian Customs and other agencies for further investigation and legal action.
The Defence Ministry noted that the success of this digitally driven operation highlighted India’s role as a “net security provider” in the region and a firm defender of a rules-based order at sea.
By combining cutting-edge digital surveillance with an expanding sea presence, the Indian Coast Guard is sending a clear message that India’s waters will not be a safe corridor for illicit trade.