New Delhi, Feb. 7 -- The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) busted an international oil cargo smuggling racket through a complex sea-air coordinated operation on February 6, officials said here on Saturday.

According to the ICG, the syndicate was involved in smuggling large volumes of cheap oil and oil-based cargo from conflict-ridden countries and transferring it mid-sea to motor tankers in international waters for profit. The racket was being operated through a network of handlers based in multiple countries, coordinating the sale and transfer of cargo between sea-going vessels.

Three vessels were intercepted by Indian Coast Guard ships about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai on February 5. Following sustained rummaging, verification of documen...