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New Delhi: On Saturday, the Indian Coast Guard announced the dismantling of an international oil smuggling network, successfully intercepting several vessels approximately 100 nautical miles off Mumbai's coast during a mid-sea operation.

The intercepted vessels had developed a strategy to transport significant quantities of inexpensive oil and oil-related products from conflict zones, profiting by transferring these goods to motor tankers in international waters, according to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

This 'bold mid-sea operation' was initiated through advanced digital surveillance and the growing maritime presence of the Indian Coast Guard, reaffirming India's role as a 'net provider of maritime safety and enforcer of international regulations,' as stated by the ICG.

On February 5, three vessels were intercepted by ICG ships, and through thorough searches, electronic data verification, and crew interrogations, the ICG's specialized boarding team was able to trace the criminal activities and methods employed by the smugglers.

The vessels were reportedly altering their identities frequently to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies. Initial investigations revealed that the owners of these vessels are located in foreign countries.

The smuggling operation is managed by a network of handlers from various nations, coordinating the sale and transfer of oil between ships.

The ICG detailed that its 'tech-inclusive systems' identified a motor tanker engaging in 'suspicious activities' within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone, prompting a digital investigation into its operations.

By analyzing data patterns of nearby vessels, the ICG identified two additional suspects involved in the illegal transfer of oil, thereby evading substantial duties owed to coastal nations, including India.

On February 5, ICG teams boarded the vessels, confirming the digital evidence's validity, which led to the vessels' apprehension.

The detained vessels are expected to be escorted to Mumbai for further investigation and will be handed over to Indian Customs and law enforcement for appropriate action.