Stealing of pipeline crude oil revealed in southern Turkey

AKSARAY – Anatolia News Agency

BOTAŞ pipeline near the Aksaray-Adana highway, located in southern Turkey. AA photo/ Ersin ALTINSOY

Turkish security forces have uncovered crude oil theft at the state-run BOTAŞ pipeline near the Aksaray-Adana highway, located in southern Turkey.

Gendarme teams discovered a 500 meter long setup attached to the pipeline after excavating the spot that local villagers had pointed out. The suspicions of the villagers were aroused after they saw an oil tanker return to the area on a number of occasions.

After discovering the theft, the authorities closed the valve on the main pipes that had been opened to steal the oil.

Gendarme and BOTAŞ officials said the theft may have been going on for around six months. An investigation has been launched to catch the identified suspects.