Malaysia Detains Two Tankers For Illegally Transferring Oil

There were 53 crew members on board.

Malaysian authorities have detained two tankers suspected of illegally transferring crude oil from ship to ship. According to Reuters, citing Malaysia's Maritime Enforcement Agency, the seized oil is valued at more than 512 million ringgit (about $129.9 million). The vessels were detained 24 nautical miles west of Cape Muka Head in Penang state.

The tankers had 53 crew members aboard - citizens of China, Myanmar, Iran, Pakistan and India. Two captains were arrested and handed over to the Penang State Marine Investigation Division. The patrol discovered the vessels after receiving a complaint around 1 a.m.: the tankers were anchored in a coupled position, indicating that transshipment work was underway.

The vessels are being investigated under two counts: for anchoring without permission (a fine of up to $25,000) and for illegal transshipment.

The coastal waters of Malaysia are known as an area of frequent illegal oil transfer operations between tankers on the high seas, which allows to hide the origin of fuel. Last July, the country's authorities announced their intention to tighten control over such practices, the agency noted.

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