ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) on Wednesday said it had uncovered a major crude oil theft operation and an illegal refinery in Sindh’s Tando Allahyar district and sought strict legal action against those involved.

“The theft involved illegal tapping of the Kunnar Pasakhi Deep (KPD)-TAY oil field pipeline near Tando Jam, close to the Machhi Hotel police check post. The stolen crude oil was being transported and processed at an illegal refinery before being sold in the local market,” the state-run oil and gas producer said.

The company said it had initiated a coordinated investigation in January 2026, working closely with intelligence and law enforcement agencies to trace the network. After weeks of surveillance and technical tracking, it identified multiple tapping points along the pipeline as well as the location of the illegal refining facility.

A raid was carried out in the Siri area of New Hyderabad City with the participation of eight police vehicles, five OGDCL vehicles and support from an intelligence agency. During the operation, authorities recovered refining equipment and a large quantity of stolen crude oil. The suspects fled the scene, leaving behind five motorcycles.

The Tando Jam police registered a case against the alleged gang leader, Wazir Daudani, along with his associates Ghani Daudani, Badshah Nizamani, Mabaan Nizamani and six others. Police also seized three Suzuki vehicles and a Mazda truck carrying stolen crude oil, the company said.

The company did not specify how long the illegal operation had been underway or the extent of losses incurred.

Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2026