Indonesia Detains 25 Chinese Crew Members On Illegal Oil Transfers Suspicion From Iranian Tankers, Beijing Sends Message

KN Marore-322 owned by Bakamla secured two Iranian and Panamanian-flagged tankers suspected of carrying out illegal fuel transfers (Source: Bakamla)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government has detained 36 Iranian crew members and 25 crew members from China for their involvement in the alleged illegal fuel transfer. China sent a message to Indonesia.

In a message sent Wednesday, January 27, the Chinese government asked Indonesia to treat the Chinese seafaring group fairly. China also asked for an explanation from Indonesia regarding the findings of the illegal oil transfer.

Previously, MT Horse with the Iranian flag and MT Freya with the Panama flag were arrested on Sunday, January 24. They were caught violating a number of regulations, including turning off the radar system.

Indonesian authorities confirmed to the Chinese Embassy that the crew was "in good condition." Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Zhao Lijian hopes Indonesia "investigates this case impartially, complies with the law and ensures the health, safety and legitimate rights and interests of the crew."

Even so, Zhao did not provide details about the owner or destination of the Chinese ship. The two ships, on Wednesday, January 27, were anchored off the coast around Batam Island, Riau Islands, south of Singapore.

Iran's black market oil

According to Nikkei Asia, Thursday, January 28, Iran has been selling oil on the black market since former US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions in 2018. Trump has threatened to punish countries that buy Iranian crude.

During their operations, Iranian oil tankers often turn off tracking equipment to hide their destinations. In August, US officials said the Trump administration seized 1.1 million barrels of gasoline from four tankers departing Iran for Venezuela.

In 2018, the ship was captured in satellite photos after being caught transferring oil to a North Korean vessel off China's coast in an attempt to evade UN sanctions against North Korea. The Chinese government has said they will investigate but have not announced the results.