Oil theft tunnel from refinery line uncovered in Karachi; four arrested

KARACHI: An attempt to steal oil from a major refinery pipeline in Karachi was foiled after law enforcement agencies uncovered a tunnel built for illegal tapping of the line, leading to the arrest of four suspects.

According to the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), the suspects had dug a deep tunnel inside a warehouse with the intention of stealing oil from the National Oil Refinery pipeline. Acting on intelligence information, the police conducted a raid and took the suspects into custody before they could carry out the theft.

Police officials said the arrested individuals were involved in illegal tapping of the PARCO pipeline and had constructed a tunnel measuring approximately 17 feet in depth and 140 meters in length. The tunnel was reportedly designed to reach the underground pipeline without attracting attention.

During the operation, law enforcement officials recovered clips, pipes, and other specialised equipment used for oil theft from the possession of the suspects. Authorities said further investigation is underway to determine whether the accused were part of a larger network involved in fuel theft.

Officials recalled that a similar attempt to steal oil from the PARCO pipeline running from Port Qasim to Multan in Karachi had also been foiled earlier, highlighting ongoing efforts by criminal elements to target energy infrastructure.

Police said the suspects would be presented before the court after completion of legal formalities, while security around key oil pipelines in the city has been further strengthened.