Suniel Kumar Sharma and Jaspreet Preeti Shahid allegedly generated fake registrations and flags for sanctioned tankers hauling Iranian crude, including vessels tied to Iran's military apparatus. The scheme dates back to at least 2014, when the pair attempted to impersonate the official maritime registry of Dominica through unauthorized web portals. The penalties, imposed under Operation Economic Outcast, completely freeze their US-linked assets and bar American entities from dealing with them.
Key points
Operation Economic Outcast specifically focuses on dismantling foreign networks that faci…: Operation Economic Outcast specifically focuses on dismantling foreign networks that facilitate Iranian petroleum smuggling and sanctions evasion.
Maritime deception schemes involving fraudulent registries undermine global environmental…: Maritime deception schemes involving fraudulent registries undermine global environmental and safety standards according to the US Treasury.
Foreign service providers assisting sanctioned Iranian vessels and aircraft face severe f…: Foreign service providers assisting sanctioned Iranian vessels and aircraft face severe financial restrictions and blocked assets under US jurisdiction.
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Washington: The United States has imposed sanctions on an India-based couple and several associated companies over their alleged involvement in facilitating Iran's shadow fleet through fraudulent maritime registrations and certifications, accusing them of helping sanctioned vessels transport Iranian petroleum and evade international restrictions.
Announcing the action on Wednesday (local time), US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Washington would take action against individuals and entities continuing to support the Iranian regime.
"As we have said many times, under Operation Economic Outcast, you are either with us or against us. We know where you are, and we will sanction those who continue supporting the Iranian regime, whether by land, sea, or air," Bessent said in a post on X.
In a press release, the US Department of the Treasury identified the targeted individuals as India-based Suniel Kumar Sharma and his spouse, Jaspreet Preeti Shahid. It alleged that the couple operated a network providing false flags and maritime certifications to sanctioned vessels transporting Iranian petroleum, including ships operating on behalf of Iran's military and its proxies.
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