US Targets India-Based Network Accused of Helping Iran’s Oil Fleet

A ship could appear to fly a country’s flag without that country’s approval. On Wednesday, the US Treasury sanctioned India-based Suniel Kumar Sharma and his wife, Jaspreet Preeti Shahid. It accused them of helping sanctioned tankers carry Iranian oil using false flags and ship papers. The action also named two associates and nine linked entities, including Oceaniek Technologies India and Aryavart Ship Management. ^1,8

Treasury says the false flags grew from websites that claimed to offer ship registration, seafarer training and vessel checks for countries that had not approved those services. The alleged work dates to at least 2014, when the couple reportedly tried to pose as Dominica’s maritime authority. In 2023, Sharma set up a Singapore-based registry that Eswatini later publicly disavowed, according to Treasury. The US says the network still registered vessels carrying Iranian oil. ^2,7

A ship’s flag identifies the country responsible for overseeing it. Treasury says fake registrations can help sanctioned tankers evade restrictions and raise safety and environmental risks. Reuters reported that such vessels may lack insurance to cover major damage. Washington also sanctioned Türkiye-based Fugo Ground Services, accusing it of providing ground services to six US-blacklisted Iranian airlines. The cases show sanctions pressure reaching beyond oil sellers to services that help ships and planes operate. ^3,8

That pressure comes through Operation Economic Outcast, the US campaign to limit Iran’s ability to sell oil and receive support. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would target people and firms aiding Iran by land, sea or air. Alongside the sanctions, the Treasury warned maritime businesses about dealing with vessels that may be falsely flagged. Those firms now face a clear risk of US sanctions if they support such ships. ^1,8