Singapore Authorities Arrest 18 for Illegal Marine Fuel Transactions

Singapore authorities have arrested 18 men for their involvement in illegal transactions involving marine gas oil (MGO) in recent months. These arrests underscore the ongoing efforts to combat illicit activities in Singaporean waters.

Recent Arrests – February 2026

On February 11, 2026, officers from the Police Coast Guard arrested 18 men, crew members from two foreign-registered tugboats and one Singapore-registered tugboat, for suspected involvement in an illegal MGO transaction off Pandan at the West Coast [1]. The misappropriated fuel was valued at approximately S$13,670.

The suspects, aged between 21 and 45, are scheduled to be charged with criminal breach of trust by employees under Section 408(1) of the Penal Code 1871 [1]. If convicted, they could face a jail term of up to 15 years and a fine.

Earlier Incidents – 2025 & 2018

In a separate incident on October 10, 2025, eight men were arrested for the illicit sale of marine gas oil. Three crew members of a Singapore-registered tugboat were arrested initially, followed by five more from a foreign-registered tugboat [2]. The MGO involved in this case was valued at approximately S$6,917 (US$5,330) [2].

The crew of the Singapore-registered tugboat were also found to be in possession of duty-unpaid cigarettes, which were confiscated and reported to Singapore Customs [2].

In June 2018, nine men, aged between 21 and 56, were arrested for the illegal sale of MGO at Selat Pauh Anchorage [3]. Four crew members of a Singapore-registered vessel allegedly misappropriated 400 litres of MGO and sold it to five crew members of a foreign-registered tugboat [3].

In May 2018, fifteen men were arrested for similar illegal transactions involving 1,000 litres of MGO at Sultan Shoal lighthouse [3].

Police Response

The Singapore Police Force has stated they take a serious view of illegal transactions of marine gas oil in Singapore waters and will continue enforcement and security checks to prevent such activities [1], [2].