London, June 16 : A 38-year-old Indian national has been arrested by UK authorities following a major operation targeting a Russian “shadow fleet” oil tanker accused of violating Western sanctions imposed on Moscow.
The arrest was made after officers from the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), supported by Royal Marine Commandos and British military personnel, boarded the oil tanker SMYRTOS in the English Channel. The operation marked the first UK-led interdiction of a sanctioned Russian shadow fleet vessel.
According to the NCA, the Indian national was taken into custody on suspicion of offences under UK sanctions regulations related to Russia. Authorities have not disclosed the exact nature of the alleged violations, citing an ongoing investigation.
The vessel has since been seized and remains anchored off the Dorset coast in southwest England. Officials said 24 crew members, including Indian and Georgian nationals, remain on board and are cooperating with investigators.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the operation as a significant step in efforts to curb Russia’s sanctions evasion network, stating that those supporting President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine “cannot hide”.
The six-hour operation involved Royal Navy vessels, Royal Air Force aircraft, helicopters and specially trained law enforcement personnel. UK authorities said the action was conducted in accordance with domestic and international law.
The UK Ministry of Defence said Russia’s shadow fleet, consisting of more than 700 vessels, plays a crucial role in transporting sanctioned oil and generating revenue that supports Moscow’s military operations in Ukraine.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing, and further details will be released as inquiries progress.
