In September 1695, Henry Every, often referred to as 'Long Ben', and his crew, sailing on the pirate ship Fancy, executed a bold and ambitious raid on the Ganj-i-Sawai, a Mughal treasure ship. The ship was en route from the Hijaz region back to India, heavily loaded with immense wealth accumulated during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The treasure reportedly included gold, silver, and other valuable goods, all intended for the Mughal court. Every's attack on the ship occurred near the island of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, a common area of pirate activity during the late 17th century.

The assault began when Every and his crew spotted the Ganj-i-Sawai, which was heavily armed and accompanied by several other vessels. However, they used cunning tactics to outmaneuver the armed escorts and engage the treasure ship itself. Following a fierce battle, Every and his crew succeeded in overpowering the defenses of the Ganj-i-Sawai, allowing them to capture the ship and its valuable cargo. The total seized wealth is considered one of the largest in piracy history, elevating Every's status and infamy among pirates and in the broader maritime world.

The aftermath of the raid triggered significant diplomatic tension between England and the Mughal Empire. Emperor Aurangzeb, enraged by the audacity and success of the raid, threatened to terminate all English trading privileges in India. This was a serious blow to English merchants at the time, as trade with the Mughal Empire was crucial for their economic interests in the region. Consequently, the British government made efforts to distance themselves from Every's actions while attempting to mitigate the impact on their trade relations with India, illustrating the complex interplay between piracy and imperial interests during this period.