Russian shadow fleet tanker crew faces US criminal investigation
llustrative photo: oil tanker (Getty Images)
The US Department of Justice is preparing to file criminal charges against the crew of the oil tanker Bella 1, which was seized in the Atlantic Ocean for violating American sanctions. The vessel sails under the Russian flag, according to US Attorney General Pamela Bondi on X.
She reported that the US executed a warrant to seize the Bella 1, which was transporting oil from Venezuela and Iran, both subject to sanctions.
“The BELLA 1 was previously designated by OFAC for its role in a sanctions evasion network responsible for supporting foreign terrorist organizations,” Bondi wrote.
According to Bondi, during the operation, the tanker’s crew attempted to evade capture and flee from the US Coast Guard. Despite this, the vessel was ultimately stopped.
“As a consequence of failing to obey the Coast Guard’s orders, members of this vessel are under full investigation and criminal charges will be pursued against all culpable actors,” the Attorney General stated.
Bondi also noted that the US Department of Justice is monitoring the movements of several other tankers, which could face similar actions.
“Anyone on any vessel who fails to obey instructions of the Coast Guard or other federal officials will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” she emphasized.
US seizure of shadow fleet tankers
On January 7, the Russian vessel Bella 1 (now renamed Marinera) was seized by US forces for violating American sanctions.
The US European Command clarified that the ship was intercepted in the North Atlantic under a warrant issued by a US federal court, after being tracked by the Coast Guard cutter USCGC Munro.
It later emerged that, in addition to the Marinera in the Atlantic, the US also captured another vessel from Russia’s sanctions shadow fleet in the Caribbean - the tanker Sophia.
Both ships, Bella 1 and Sophia, had last docked in Venezuela or were en route there.
