Police Coast Guard operation off Tuas uncovers alleged illegal fuel sale worth more than S$10,000.
Eight tugboat crew members have been arrested in Singapore after an early-morning Police Coast Guard inspection uncovered the suspected theft and illegal sale of marine gas oil in waters off Tuas.
Eight Crew Members Arrested
The eight men, aged between 25 and 54, were arrested after Police Coast Guard officers inspected a Singapore-registered tugboat in waters off Tuas at around 1:05 a.m. on August 13, 2026. Police said the men were crew members aboard the vessel and were suspected of involvement in an illegal marine gas oil transaction.
S$10,570 Worth of Fuel Allegedly Misappropriated
Preliminary investigations found that the crew members allegedly misappropriated marine gas oil worth approximately S$10,570 without their company’s knowledge. Using the conversion rate of 1 IDR = 0.000080 SGD, the fuel was worth approximately Rp132.1 million. Police allege the fuel was illegally sold for the men’s personal financial gain.
Suspects Set to Face Court
The eight men are expected to be charged on August 14 with theft by a servant of property in the possession of their employer. If convicted, they could face up to seven years in prison and a fine, although their guilt will ultimately be determined through the court process.
Police Target Illegal Fuel Transactions
Singapore police said they take illegal marine gas oil transactions in the country’s territorial waters seriously. Maritime enforcement and security checks will continue as authorities work to prevent, deter, and detect illicit activities involving vessels operating around Singapore.
Tuas Is Strategically Important
Located on Singapore’s western coast, Tuas is a major industrial and maritime area connected to the country’s expanding port infrastructure. Strong enforcement in surrounding waters is particularly important because Singapore operates one of the world’s busiest maritime and bunkering hubs.
The alleged theft of S$10,570 (approx. Rp132.1 million) in marine gas oil demonstrates how internal vessel misconduct can become a wider maritime enforcement issue. As the eight suspects enter the legal process, Singapore police have made clear that security checks targeting illegal fuel transactions in territorial waters will continue.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , Yahoo! News Singapore (2026)
Keywords: Singapore Marine Fuel Theft, Tuas Waters, Marine Gas Oil, Police Coast Guard, Tugboat Crew, Illegal Fuel Sale
