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Two Tankers Seized in $129 Million Oil Smuggling Bust

2/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Two tankers were detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency on January 29, 2025 near Penang for suspected illicit crude oil transfers.
The vessels were carrying crude oil valued at US$129 million (over 512 million ringgit).
Their captains have been handed over to investigators.
The 53 crew members on board are nationals from China, Myanmar, Iran, Pakistan, and India.

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Story summary

Two tankers were detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency on January 29, 2025 near Penang for suspected illicit crude oil transfers.
The vessels were carrying crude oil valued at US$129 million (over 512 million ringgit).
Their captains have been handed over to investigators.
The 53 crew members on board are nationals from China, Myanmar, Iran, Pakistan, and India.