- Greek authorities are conducting daily targeted inspections on ships and coastal facilities to combat maritime fuel smuggling.
- Recent operations uncovered undeclared marine oil and crude oil totaling tens of thousands of liters, leading to fines exceeding €161,000.
- The AADE is committed to using advanced equipment and intelligence to detect and prevent all forms of fuel-related maritime crime.
The Greek Independent Public Revenue Authority (AADE) has ramped up its campaign against fuel smuggling, placing particular emphasis on maritime operations. In collaboration with the Central Operations Room, the Maritime Control Teams of the Attica Maritime Police are conducting daily targeted inspections on vessels and coastal facilities, focusing on areas where marine fuel is supplied. These operations are supported by anti-smuggling patrol boats and coordinated intelligence sharing.
Detection Methods and Specialized Equipment
To uncover irregularities, authorities employ advanced measuring equipment to carry out physical inventory checks. The recorded quantities are then compared with shipping logs and customs documentation. Any mismatch between actual and documented volumes serves as a critical indicator of possible smuggling activity.
Recent High-Profile Fuel Smuggling Cases
Several major cases have emerged in recent weeks. On July 31, inspectors at the Piraeus anchorage discovered an undeclared surplus of 11,687 liters of marine oil on a vessel. Earlier in July, a container ship was found carrying 39,336 liters of undeclared oil not listed in its customs records. In another case, a general cargo ship was caught with 24,500 liters of excess marine oil and 10,169 kilograms of low-sulfur crude oil, both lacking proper origin documentation.
Financial Penalties and Legal Actions
Following the discovery of these discrepancies, authorities classified the incidents as fuel smuggling and imposed fines totaling over €161,000. These penalties reflect Greece’s zero-tolerance approach to maritime fuel-related crimes.
AADE’s Continued Strategy Against Fuel-Related Crime
The AADE has pledged to maintain its rigorous inspection regime, making full use of all available resources, technology, and intelligence networks to identify and prevent fuel smuggling. The authority’s long-term objective is to safeguard the integrity of Greece’s maritime fuel supply chain and eliminate illegal activities in the sector.
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Source: safety4sea
