One of the three US-sanctioned, Iran-linked tankers showed suspicious movement before authorities seized it. Indian Coast Guard detained the vessels earlier this month off Mumbai. An FIR accessed by India Today TV details the entire sequence of events.
Investigators identified the vessel as MT Asphalt Star. Between January 20 and January 28, it operated inside Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Authorities tracked the ship within Pakistan’s maritime boundary for several days.
Tanker Went Completely “Dark”
On January 28, the tanker shut down all tracking systems for nearly 11 hours. Crew members disabled the Automatic Identification System and the Very High Frequency radio. They also switched off onboard sensors and concealed the vessel’s identity.
Coast Guard officials described the behaviour as highly suspicious. They stated that such conduct aligns with illicit maritime activity.
FIR Covers Three Tankers
Mumbai’s Yellow Gate police station registered the FIR in the case. The station holds jurisdiction over India’s EEZ off Mumbai’s coast. The FIR relates to the February 4 and 5 interdiction in the Arabian Sea.
Authorities intercepted three vessels, namely MT Asphalt Star, MT Al Jafzia, and MT Stellar Ruby. Officials observed the ships operating close to each other. They alleged illegal ship-to-ship fuel transfers without informing Indian authorities.
Illegal Transfers and AIS Spoofing
Investigators claimed that about 30 metric tonnes of heavy fuel oil were transferred unlawfully. They stated that forged documents enabled the transfer to MT Al Jafzia. Additionally, 5,473 metric tonnes of bitumen, grade VG-40, were transferred to MT Stellar Ruby.
Officials said that all three vessels used AIS spoofing. They also transmitted false identity data to evade detection.
Forged Insurance and Fake Documents
Authorities found that MT Stellar Ruby had earlier entered Karwar port. Investigators alleged that it used forged Protection and Indemnity insurance certificates. Similarly, MT Al Jafzia allegedly used fake documentation to enter the Alang shipbreaking yard in Gujarat.
According to the FIR, surveillance teams spotted a Mali-flagged tanker on February 4. The vessel loitered in hot lay-up condition in the Arabian Sea. When officers contacted the ship, it repeatedly changed its declared identity and destination.
Coast Guard Interception and Crew Details
A Coast Guard vessel intercepted MT Asphalt Star around 2 am on February 5. Officers boarded the tanker by 6 am the same morning. Crew members claimed that they were sailing toward Mangaluru.
However, investigators later found that the AIS and VHF broadcast false voyage data. They discovered that the tanker carried only a temporary registration certificate issued in Bamako, Mali, on January 30. Moreover, the vessel lacked mandatory Protection and Indemnity insurance.
The ship had 22 crew members onboard. Examination of the master’s phone allegedly revealed WhatsApp chats with overseas handlers and company officials.
FIR Names Multiple Accused
The FIR lists the masters and engineers of all three vessels as accused. It also names the owner of Star Shipping Management. Authorities alleged criminal conspiracy, smuggling, and document forgery. They invoked customs, shipping, IT, and petroleum laws in the case.
