The vessel carrying smuggled fuel in the Sea of Oman was impounded after inspectors discovered irregularities in its cargo documentation, said Hormozgan’s Chief Justice Mojtaba Ghahremani on Wednesday.

The operation was part of maritime surveillance targeting suspicious fuel trafficking activities along Iran’s southern naval borders, he said.

A judicial case has been filed in the courts of the country’s southern port of Jask, with legal proceedings underway.

The ship’s crew members, including the captain and 16 other personnel, are being held in custody as investigations continue.

Officials confirmed that further information on the ship’s legal status and the results of forensic tests will be announced once judicial reviews are complete.