Police Coast Guard intercepts two tugboats in Singapore waters, uncovering oil theft worth nearly S$7,000.
Eight Indonesian men were arrested and charged after a Police Coast Guard operation uncovered an illegal marine gas oil (MGO) transaction between two tugboats off Tuas on Oct 10, 2025.
Routine Check Leads to Major Discovery
The arrests followed a routine inspection by the Police Coast Guard on a Singapore-registered tugboat in Tuas waters. Officers discovered that several crew members were allegedly involved in selling marine gas oil to another vessel. Further investigation led to the interception of a foreign-registered tugboat, resulting in the arrest of five more men.
Misappropriated Oil Worth S$6,917
Preliminary findings revealed that crew members from the Singapore-registered tugboat had misappropriated approximately 8,000 litres of MGO valued at S$6,917 (US$5,330). The oil was allegedly sold without their company’s knowledge to crew members aboard the Tanzania-registered tugboat. Police later seized the foreign vessel as part of the investigation.
Names and Charges Revealed
Court documents show that Ahmad Fairus (36), Fajar Seeng (41), and Achmad Junaedi (29), employees of Hiap Shing Shipping, were each charged with criminal breach of trust by employees. Meanwhile, Sutrisno Bogimin (61), Heriadi (33), Mion Gosjen James (54), Satria Mahardika (24), and Suriyanto (49) were charged with dishonestly receiving stolen property.
The alleged offences took place on the evening of Oct 4, in the waters off Tuas. All eight men were remanded for further investigation and are expected to return to court on Oct 17.
Penalties and Seized Items
If convicted, the three crew members accused of criminal breach of trust could face up to 15 years’ imprisonment and fines. Those charged with receiving stolen property face up to five years in jail, fines, or both.
In addition to the oil seizure, officers uncovered 92 sticks of duty-unpaid cigarettes aboard the Singapore-registered tugboat. The contraband was confiscated and referred to Singapore Customs for investigation.
Authorities Tighten Maritime Enforcement
In a statement issued on Oct 11, the Singapore Police Force stressed its zero-tolerance stance on illegal marine fuel transactions. “The authorities will continue to conduct enforcement and security checks to prevent, deter and detect such illicit activities in Singapore waters,” police said.
The arrests highlight Singapore’s firm maritime enforcement and vigilance against illicit fuel trade, a recurring issue in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. For regional neighbours like Indonesia, the case underscores the importance of cross-border cooperation in safeguarding maritime integrity and curbing oil-related crimes across Southeast Asian waters.
Sources: CNA (2025) , Straits Times (2025)
Keywords: Marine Gas Oil, Singapore Tugboats, Illegal Transaction, Indonesian Crew, Police Coast Guard
