US-sanctioned, Iran-linked tanker seized off Mumbai entered Pakistan EEZ, went ‘dark’: FIR

The vessel, MT Asphalt Star, was intercepted along with MT Al Jafzia and MT Stellar Ruby in the Arabian Sea between February 4 and 5. (File photo)

• Indian Coast Guard seizes three Iran-linked oil tankers near Mumbai
• Ships allegedly switched off tracking to hide suspicious activity
• FIR filed for conspiracy, smuggling, and forgery; probe ongoing

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The Indian Coast Guard has alleged that one of three US-sanctioned, Iran-linked oil tankers seized off Mumbai last month entered Pakistan’s maritime zone and switched off its tracking systems to mask suspicious activity, according to an FIR.

The vessel, MT Asphalt Star, was intercepted along with MT Al Jafzia and MT Stellar Ruby in the Arabian Sea between February 4 and 5.

An FIR was registered on February 15 at the Yellow Gate police station against nine individuals, including the ship’s owner, on charges of criminal conspiracy, smuggling, and forgery under customs, shipping, and petroleum laws.

The FIR states that Coast Guard officers analysed electronic chart display and information system data from MT Asphalt Star and found that it had entered Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) between January 20 and January 28.

"On Jan 28, at approximately 11 hours, the vessel had switched off its automatic identification system (AIS), very high frequency (VHF) and all sensors, thereby concealing its identity and carrying out suspicious movements," the FIR notes.

When questioned, the vessel’s master said the voyage data recorder (VDR) had malfunctioned. Investigators, however, alleged that all three ships engaged in AIS spoofing and used false identity data to avoid detection.

According to the complaint, MT Asphalt Star carried out unauthorised ship-to-ship transfers within India’s EEZ, including the transfer of about 30 metric tonnes of heavy fuel oil to MT Al Jafzia and 5,473 metric tonnes of bitumen (VG-40) to MT Stellar Ruby without informing Indian authorities.

Coast Guard officials alleged that the vessels acted "in collusion and conspiracy" to conduct illegal fuel trade while deliberately concealing their movements.

On February 4, surveillance teams spotted a Mali-flagged tanker loitering in "hot lay-up" condition in the Arabian Sea. When hailed, the vessel allegedly changed its declared identity and destination multiple times. It was intercepted around 2 am on February 5 and boarded by 6 am. The crew claimed it was bound for Mangaluru.

Investigators later found that the ship was broadcasting false voyage data and operating with only a temporary registration certificate issued in Bamako, Mali. It also allegedly lacked mandatory Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance coverage.

Mumbai Police have arrested Shyam Bahadur Chauhan, the master of MT Asphalt Star, along with one crew member. "They were produced before a court and remanded in police custody till Feb 23", as per a police officer cited in a Times of India report.

The FIR names Jogendar Singh Brar, an Indian national based in Abu Dhabi and linked to Star Shipping Management, as one of the accused.

Brar has denied any illegal activity in statements reported by UAE-based media, claiming the vessels were providing essential supplies to ships in distress and were not engaged in smuggling.

Western authorities have linked the vessels to Iranian oil networks, though the National Iranian Oil Company has denied any association.

A source told Reuters the ships frequently changed names and ownership structures. a method commonly associated with sanctions evasion in maritime trade.

According to officials, the Coast Guard’s detailed boarding operations, electronic data analysis and crew interrogation helped uncover the alleged modus operandi.

An investigation is underway.