Law enforcement in Karachi has foiled a significant oil theft attempt after uncovering a secret tunnel that was being used to tap into a major refinery pipeline, leading to the arrest of four suspects, officials said.
According to the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), the group had constructed an underground tunnel nearly 140 metres long and about 17 feet deep beneath a warehouse with the intention of illegally siphoning oil from the National Oil Refinery pipeline. Law enforcement acted on credible intelligence and raided the site before the theft could be completed.
During the operation, police recovered specialised equipment, including pipes, clamps and tools believed to have been used to access the pipeline. Authorities said they are conducting further investigations to determine whether the suspects are connected to a larger criminal network involved in fuel theft.
Officials also noted that security around key oil infrastructure in the city has been strengthened following the discovery, as Pakistan continues efforts to protect critical energy assets from organised criminal activity.