Russia shadow fleet sanctions: UK targets tankers after Indian captain Ajay Pant charged

The UK announced a fresh round of sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet oil tankers. The move came after authorities charged an Indian captain over an alleged breach. The case involves a tanker intercepted in the English Channel. UK officials said the new measures target ships and firms linked to Russia’s oil trade.

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Ajay Pant, 38, was arrested by the National Crime Agency during a joint operation. British armed forces supported the interception at sea. Pant was linked to the shadow oil tanker MV Smyrtos. The vessel was travelling through the English Channel over the last weekend, officials said.

UK sanctions target Russia shadow fleet oil tankers

The UK government said the latest sanctions will tighten action on Russia’s shadow fleet oil tankers. More than 20 oil tankers were named, using new and enhanced powers introduced last month. UK officials said the aim is to curb an illicit oil trade. Measures also include steps against ship insurers and shipping services.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the measures hit vessels and finances linked to war funding. "These sanctions target the vessels, the money and the actors propping up Russias war economy, and in turn, threatening European security,\" Keir Starmer said. \"Working with our G7 allies, we will continue to increase the pressure on Putin and his circle of collaborators until Russias war machine is brought to a halt and peace returns to our continent,\" Keir Starmer said.

Ajay Pant charged under UK Russia sanctions rules

Pant will be deposed before a magistrate in Southampton. The charge cites contravening Reg 46Z9B Russia Sanctions EU Exit Regulations 2019. Prosecutors allege direct or indirect supply or delivery by ship. The allegation involves prohibited oil or oil products from Russia. The period cited is June 2026.

Chief Crown Prosecutor Joanne Jakymec said the Crown Prosecution Service chose to proceed. \"The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute Ajay Pant for breaching Russian sanctions following a National Crime Agency investigation and the seizure of the shadow oil tanker, MV Smyrtos, travelling through the English Channel over the last weekend,\" Joanne Jakymec said. \"Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings. We have worked closely with the National Crime Agency as they carried out their investigation,\" Joanne Jakymec said.

India seeks consular access amid Russia sanctions case

It is understood that the High Commission of India in London has sought consular access. The mission is awaiting a response from the UK side. Separately, officials said steps to ensure crew welfare are continuing. The ship is docked off the coast of Dorset. The crew includes 24 Indian and Georgian nationals.

UK sanctions widen beyond Russia shadow fleet oil tankers

The UK said it has sanctioned several LNG vessels acquired by Russia. UK officials linked them to the Arctic LNG 2 project. The UK said the project exports millions of tonnes of LNG. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: \"As the Kremlin resorts to ever more shady tactics to sustain its war, from its ageing shadow fleet to covert finance networks, the UK remains one step ahead in shutting them down.\" Yvette Cooper added: \"These sanctions strike at the heart of these murky efforts, to starve Putins war machine and defend Britains security. Shoulder to shoulder with our G7 partners, the UK will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes,\" Yvette Cooper said.

The UK Foreign Office said other sanctions target a GRU-linked network. The network is centred around LLC Neptune Co Ltd, described as a front company. UK officials alleged Neptune helps procure Western technology for Russia’s military. This week’s package also targets three companies and 10 GRU officers. They are suspected of seeking military technology for Russia’s campaign in Ukraine.

UK officials said sanctions also apply to third-country suppliers. The named locations were China, Thailand and Türkiye. The Foreign Office also cited organisations accused of moving money to evade restrictions. It included one entity in Nigeria linked to the illicit finance network A7s sanctions evasions scheme. UK statements said the measures are part of wider efforts to enforce sanctions rules.

With inputs from PTI