Indian customs busts sanctions-busting fuel transfer off Mumbai coast

Customs officials have intercepted two vessels off the Mumbai coast in a suspected tax evasion and sanctions circumvention case. A Russian-flagged ship, MT Angara, and an Indian barge, MV Bay III, were involved in the operation. Authorities believe forged documents were used to hide the illegal activity. The Customs Preventive Wing stopped the vessels during an alleged illegal fuel transfer. Approximately 200 tons of very low sulphur fuel oil was being supplied to MT Angara. The barge, MV Bay III, is owned by a shipping company operator based in Navi Mumbai.

Investigators recovered bunker delivery notes and fuel test reports from MT Angara. The ship is under active sanctions by the US, EU, and UK. Officials suspect the operation used fake export invoices to bypass customs procedures and avoid detection by sanctioning authorities.

Customs has identified the company and individuals allegedly behind the forged documents. Suspicion also falls on foreign transactions linked to associated companies in the UAE. The scheme appears designed to evade taxes, duties, and international sanctions. The case involves a Russian-flagged ship under sanctions and an Indian barge in a suspected tax evasion scheme. Forged paperwork and hidden transactions were allegedly used to conceal the illegal fuel transfer. Customs continues to investigate the individuals and companies involved.