Updated: 09/15/2014 17:06 | By Channel NewsAsia
Illegal sale of marine gas oil: 58 arrested, 6 boats seized
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SINGAPORE: The Police Coast Guard has busted seven groups involved in the illegal sale of marine gas oil (MGO) since 2013, with the most recent case on May 21 this year.
The Coast Guard has arrested 55 foreign crew members and three Singaporean financiers involved in these cases, the Singapore Police Force said on Monday (Sep 15). Cash amounting to more than S$22,000 and six vessels were seized in the course of investigations.
The most recent case in May revolved around a foreign-registered tugboat, which was involved in the illegal sale of 10,000 litres of MGO at the sea off Penjuru.
The act was foiled by officers of the Coast Guard and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA), and 11 crew members were convicted and sentenced to seven weeks' imprisonment for Criminal Breach of Trust by a Servant under Section 408 of the Penal Code. Court proceedings are ongoing to forfeit the vessel involved in the offence, the police added.
The other two cases highlighted by the police occurred on Jul 8, 2013 and Dec 4, 2013. In all these cases, tugboats have been modified with additional fuel tanks to facilitate the sale of MGO.
"These tugboats are a fire hazard and pose a danger to other vessels in the area. The Coast Guard will continue to conduct enforcement operations and checks, as well as engage relevant stakeholders to clamp down on the illegal sales of MGO," the police said.
To enhance maritime security, the Coast Guard has been working closely with coastal companies along the Jurong and Pandan rivers through the formation of the Jurong Waters Safety & Security Network (JSSN) in October 2012 and the Pandan Waters Safety & Security Network (PSSN) in September last year. To date, 26 coastal companies have joined the JSSN and 21 coastal companies have joined the PSSN, according to the release.
These working groups have been set up to increase awareness of crime and security in our waters, share best practices, and foster strong relationships between the police and the maritime community, the police said. - CNA/kk
