Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC) has uncovered a large-scale crude oil theft operation along one of its key pipelines in Sindh and successfully dismantled an illegal refining setup, prompting calls for strict legal action against the suspects.

The illegal activity was traced to the Kunnar Pasakhi Deep (KPD)-Tando Allahyar (TAY) pipeline near Tando Jam, close to the Machhi Hotel police check post. Investigators found that crude oil was being siphoned through unauthorized tapping points and transported to a covert facility in the Siri area of New Hyderabad City, where it was refined and later sold in local markets.

OGDC launched a joint investigation in January 2026 in coordination with law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Following weeks of surveillance and technical monitoring, authorities identified multiple illegal connection points and located the refining site.

A joint raid was carried out in the Siri area with the support of police and intelligence personnel, resulting in the recovery of refining equipment and a substantial quantity of stolen crude oil. Several vehicles used in the operation were also seized.

Law enforcement authorities have registered a case at Tando Jam police station against the alleged network, including identified suspects such as Wazir Daudani, Ghani Daudani, Badshah Nizamani, Mabaan Nizamani, and others.

Three Suzuki vehicles and a Mazda truck loaded with stolen crude oil were also confiscated during the operation.

OGDC has urged authorities to pursue strict legal proceedings, including provisions under the Anti-Terrorism Act, citing the serious threat such activities pose to critical national infrastructure. The company said its timely action helped prevent significant financial losses to the country at a time of heightened energy challenges.