The Singapore Police Force (SPF) on Wednesday (11 February) arrested 18 men, aged between 21 and 45, for their suspected involvement in an illegal transaction of Marine Gas Oil (MGO).
At about 12.45am, officers from the Police Coast Guard arrested 18 crew members from two foreign-registered tugboats and one Singapore-registered tugboat in the sea off Pandan, Singapore.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the crew members allegedly misappropriated MGO valued at about SGD 13,670 (USD 10,789) without their company’s knowledge,” SPF said.
“The MGO was allegedly intended to be sold illegally for their personal financial gain.”
The 18 men were charged in court on 12 February with the offence of criminal breach of trust by employees under Section 408(1) of the Penal Code 1871. The offence carries an imprisonment term, which may extend to 15 years and a fine.
“The Police take a serious view of illegal transactions of MGO in Singapore waters. The authorities will continue to conduct enforcement and security checks to prevent, deter and detect such illicit activities in Singapore waters,” SPF added.
Photo credit: Singapore Police Force
Published: 19 February, 2026
