Batam, Batamnews - One unit of the Bahamas-flagged tanker MT Strovolos was arrested by the Indonesian Navy. It was suspected that the ship stole 300,000 barrels of crude oil.

The ship was also suspected of being a fugitive from the Cambodian state. In addition, the MT Strovolos ship was also suspected of violating or carrying out illegal activities in the waters of the Riau Islands (Kepri), Indonesia.

The ship was arrested last month, Tuesday, July 27, 2021. The ship's cargo is crude oil gross.

Commander of Fleet Command I Rear Admiral Arsyad Abdulah said KRI John Lie 358. MT Strovolos GT 28,546 descended during the inspection. After learning that the ship was suspected of violating the rules, it was immediately dragged into Indonesian waters.

"The ship is suspected of carrying around 300,000 barrels of crude oil. The initial assumption is that MT Strovolos carried out anchoring in Indonesian waters without permission. It is also known that this foreign ship did not activate AIS while sailing in Indonesian seas," he said, Wednesday (25/8/2021).

Arsyad explained that MT Strovolos was commanded by a Bangladeshi citizen. Bringing about 19 crew members who are all foreigners.

In addition to violating the territory, related to this ship there is also a diplomatic note from the Royal Cambodian Embassy for an application for detention.

"The bilateral file is numbered NO.212/REC-JKT/2021 and asks for the detention of the ship for the alleged crime of stealing 300,000 barrels of crude oil. The ship is also suspected of violating several traffic rules at sea," he said.

For this violation, Arsyad asserted, the MT Strovolos ship will be charged with Article 317 JO Article 193 of Law Number 17 of 2008 concerning shipping with a penalty of 1 year in prison and a fine of Rp. 200 million.

"The investigation process is still ongoing, the submission of case files to the Batam State Prosecutor's Office is also being carried out. Then the suspect and evidence will be handed over to enter the trial stage," he said.