The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) apprehended three oil tankers connected to Iran off the coast of India. Among them was the Asphalt Star, which reportedly spent a significant duration within the maritime boundaries of Pakistan, with its tracking systems disabled. An FIR filed in Mumbai detailed that the vessel was found operating under suspicious circumstances during this time.

FIR and Arrests Made

The ICG initiated the seizure investigation and subsequently submitted a police complaint at the Yellow Gate police station on February 15 against nine individuals, including the vessels’ owner, for potential illegal practices and oil smuggling. The complaint was lodged by Aniruddha Dharampal Dabash, a commandant with the ICG, leading to the arrest of the Asphalt Star’s captain and another crew member for alleged involvement in oil smuggling and forgery.

Electronic Tracking Details

The FIR revealed that the electronic chart display and information system data for the Asphalt Star was scrutinized by an ICG officer. It indicated that between January 20 and January 28, the tanker had entered the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Pakistan. Notably, on January 28, at around 11 a.m., the vessel deactivated its automatic identification system (AIS), very high frequency (VHF), and sensors, thereby obscuring its identity and facilitating questionable movements. The captain later stated that the ship’s voyage data recorder had malfunctioned during this period.

Modus Operandi of the Criminals

In the investigation, ICG teams noted that all three ships utilized AIS spoofing tactics and transmitted false identity data aimed at evading surveillance. Investigators gathered electronic data aboard the detained vessels and documented pertinent information along with interviews of the crew members to understand the modus operandi of the alleged criminal activities involved.

Ownership and Allegations

The FIR identifies Jogendar Singh Brar, an Indian national residing in Abu Dhabi, as one of the accused and the purported owner of the ships. Despite the allegations, Brar has asserted that his vessels were engaged in delivering essential supplies to ships in distress, claiming they were not involved in any illicit operations, according to local media accounts.

Details on Illegal Transfers

The FIR further specified that the Asphalt Star was implicated in the unlawful transfer of 30 metric tonnes of heavy fuel oil to the MT Al Jafiza while located in the Indian Ocean’s EEZ. Additionally, reports indicated that the vessel had transferred 5,473 metric tonnes of bitumen, commonly used in road construction, to the MT Stellar Ruby, also without notifying Indian governmental authorities.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings

Authorities have arrested Shyam Bahadur Chauhan, the master of the MT Asphalt Star, along with another individual related to the case. Both were presented before a court and subsequently remanded in police custody until February 23 for further investigation. The case continues to develop as law enforcement agencies delve deeper into the allegations of smuggling and unlawful operations linked to these tankers.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share