IRGC seizes vessel over alleged fuel smuggling in Persian Gulf

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has seized an Eswatini-flagged vessel in the Persian Gulf on allegations of fuel smuggling, according to statements issued on November 30 by a senior naval commander.

Heidar Honarian-Mojjard, commander of the IRGC Navy's Second Naval Zone, said the ship was intercepted under a judicial order after being detected carrying approximately 350,000 liters of what he described as smuggled gasoline. The vessel was subsequently escorted to the coast of Iran’s Bushehr Province, Caliber.Az reports per IRNA. 

Authorities claim the ship had been transporting fuel illegally out of Iran. Honarian-Mojjard said the confiscated fuel was returned to the country and handed over to the Bushehr branch of the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company in accordance with judicial procedures.

The commander did not disclose the total number of crew members aboard but confirmed that 14 individuals had been detained, including 13 Indian nationals and one sailor from a neighbouring country.

By Sabina Mammadli