KABUL: British authorities have arrested an Indian ship captain, identified as Ajay Pant, on allegations of transporting Russian oil in violation of international sanctions.
According to the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), naval forces intercepted an oil tanker named Smertos in the English Channel and detained its captain following an investigation.
British officials claim the vessel is linked to clandestine maritime networks allegedly used to circumvent sanctions imposed on Russia. These networks are accused of employing foreign flags and opaque operating practices to transport Russian crude oil and petroleum products to international markets.
The tanker has been taken under British control, and authorities said the captain’s case is scheduled to be presented before a court on Tuesday.
London has imposed sanctions on hundreds of vessels suspected of participating in what is often described as Russia’s “shadow fleet” for oil transportation.
Western governments argue that revenues from Russia’s energy exports remain an important source of funding for Moscow’s military operations in Ukraine.