WASHINGTON: The United States has imposed sanctions on several Indian nationals and companies over their alleged involvement in a large-scale maritime fraud network accused of helping Iranian vessels evade international restrictions through false flags and fake maritime certifications.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the US Treasury Department described the operation as a “vast criminal network” allegedly run by two Indian nationals, Suniel Kumar Sharma and his wife, Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, from their base in Chandigarh, India.
According to the Treasury Department, the network facilitated Iranian oil tankers operating under fraudulent national flags and obtaining fake maritime certifications to bypass international sanctions and conceal their activities.
US Sanctions Indian Companies Over Alleged Maritime Fraud
The sanctions also targeted two additional Indian nationals and several companies involved in the network. US authorities said Sharma and Shahid claimed to represent countries across different continents, including Guyana, Eswatini and Laos, to help Iranian vessels evade international restrictions.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the action was part of Washington’s broader campaign, known as Operation Economic Outcast, aimed at restricting Iran’s ability to generate revenue and maintain international trade networks.
He warned that the United States would take action against individuals and entities continuing to support the Iranian government through land, sea or air operations.
Washington Expands Sanctions Against Iran-Linked Networks
The latest move marks another step in Washington’s expanding sanctions campaign against Iran, which intensified in August as the US sought to increase economic pressure on Tehran alongside its military campaign.
Also Read: Historic Wins for Muslim Lawmakers as Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib Retain US Congressional Seats
The United States also imposed sanctions on Turkiye-based Fugo Ground Services Inc., accusing the company of continuing to provide services to Iran’s aviation sector.
Earlier this month, Washington targeted 17 vessels allegedly linked to Iran’s shadow fleet, which is used to transport Iranian oil and petroleum products to international markets.
The latest sanctions highlight Washington’s growing efforts to disrupt the financial, maritime and aviation networks allegedly helping Iran circumvent international restrictions.
