SINGAPORE – In a sweeping enforcement operation, Singapore’s authorities have detained 11 men suspected of involvement in an illegal marine gas oil transaction in Selat Pauh waters, in what police described as a complex offshore fuel syndicate that exploited loopholes to siphon and trade fuel unlawfully, according to Channel NewsAsia. The case underscores Singapore’s continued focus on safeguarding its maritime fuels industry and cracking down on illicit schemes that threaten the integrity of regional shipping and trade.
According to the Police Coast Guard and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), investigations began in late 2025 after tips and open-source intelligence pointed to suspicious activity involving transshipments of marine gas oil — a type of bunker fuel used by merchant vessels — in the waters of Selat Pauh, which lies near Singapore’s southern maritime boundary. Over several weeks, officers monitored vessel movements and conducted intelligence-led probes into potential collusion between local and foreign seafarers. The operation culminated in coordinated arrests at sea and at port later in February 2026.
Police allege the suspects were part of a ring that arranged multiple undocumented bunkering operations, transferring marine gas oil from one ship to another without proper documentation or clearances, and in some cases diverting fuel away from authorised distribution channels. Such actions can undercut legitimate fuel suppliers, distort market pricing and expose vessels to safety and regulatory risks. One senior officer involved in the investigation said, “These offenders were engaged in what appears to be a coordinated syndicate that facilitated the illegal transfer and trade of marine fuel, putting Singapore’s maritime community at risk and potentially damaging our reputation as a secure and lawful hub for shipping.”
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The arrested individuals — all men aged between the mid-20s and early 50s — are understood to be of various nationalities, and face charges under Singapore’s Economic Expansion Incentives (Relief from Income Tax) Act and Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) regulations, which govern fuel supply, documentation and bunkering activities. If convicted, they could face substantial fines and custodial sentences, as Singapore’s laws are designed to deter fuel smuggling and protect shipping-related commerce.
Authorities also seized several vessels linked to the illicit transfers as part of evidence collection, and are working with port partners to audit fuel records for related ships. The Police Coast Guard emphasised that the maritime domain remains a priority for enforcement actions, particularly as Singapore handles some of the busiest sea lanes in the world. Officials reiterated that illegal bunkering — which often involves fuel theft, tampering with logs, or false declarations — can have broader implications for maritime safety, environmental protection and economic integrity.
This latest crackdown follows previous busts of fuel-related crimes in the region and highlights Singapore’s continued vigilance against syndicates that might try to exploit its status as a global shipping and fuel trading hub. Investigations are ongoing, and prosecutors are reviewing the evidence to determine the exact scope of each suspect’s alleged involvement in the fuel-theft network.
