A “carefully coordinated maritime and air operation” to disrupt the activities of an international oil smuggling network took place on February 6, the service noted.
“The criminal group used oil transhipment in international waters to transport cheap oil from conflict-ridden regions onto tankers, evading duties to coastal states,” the report said.
The coast guard said that “three suspicious vessels” were intercepted approximately 100 nautical miles (185 km) west of Mumbai.
“A thorough search, electronic background check and interrogation of the crew revealed a pattern of operations and a global network of intermediaries. The vessels, known for their frequent name changes, are being brought to Mumbai for further legal proceedings,” the post reads.
India believes its actions “reaffirm India's role as a trusted provider of maritime security and guardian of the rules-based international order.”
The Indian Coast Guard showed photos of all three vessels, but did not indicate their names.
Later this was done on social network X by TankerTrackers.com: Al Jafzia, Asphalt Star and Stellar Ruby.
According to vessel tracking service VesselFinder, Al Jafzia is flagged in Nicaragua, Asphalt Star is flagged in Aruba, and Stellar Ruby is flagged in Iran.
All three tankers are under US sanctions.
Iran International reported on February 8 that all three vessels were linked to Iran.
