Rawalpindi police uncovered a sophisticated crude oil theft operation in the Dhamial area, revealing a secret tunnel dug from a private residence to a Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL) underground pipeline. The illegal scheme, which involved siphoning crude oil using a concealed storage tank hidden beneath a dumper truck covered with gravel, came to light after a fire erupted during the operation, exposing the high-risk setup.

According to authorities, the culprits constructed a tunnel directly connecting to POL’s main pipeline, allowing them to steal crude oil undetected. The operation’s cover was blown when flames broke out, prompting a swift response from firefighters. Their efforts to control the blaze revealed the tunnel and the clandestine extraction system.

According to initial findings, the theft involved 12,821 barrels of crude oil valued at Rs. 254.881 million (Rs. 25 crore, 48 lakh, 81 thousand, 480).

Police registered a case at Dhamiyaal Police Station against five suspects, naming Sharafat Ali, Muhammad Bilal, Muhammad Wajid, and Muhammad Ayub, believed to be part of a larger criminal network involved in oil theft and black-market sales.

Investigations are ongoing to dismantle the syndicate.