OFAC sanctions India-based maritime fraud network behind Iran shadow fleet false flags
The Treasury's OFAC has designated an India-based network accused of selling false flags and fake maritime certifications to Iran's shadow fleet, alongside a Turkiye-based aviation ground handler. A fresh industry alert warns on the sanctions risk of dealing with potentially falsely flagged vessels. For compliance teams running vessel and counterparty screening, the new typology matters more than the names.
- Suniel Kumar Sharma and Jaspreet Preeti Shahid were designated under E.O. 13902 for providing false flags and certifications to Iran's shadow fleet.
- OFAC also designated Turkiye-based Fugo Ground Services Inc, which holds service agreements with sanctioned carriers including Iran Air Tour, Saha, Sepehran, Varesh, Taban and Ata Airlines.
- OFAC issued a new alert warning industry of the sanctions risks of dealing with potentially falsely flagged vessels.
- The network impersonated flag authorities for states from Guyana to Eswatini, Aruba, Mali and Timor-Leste, including the Singapore-based Eswatini Maritime registry.
- Blocked persons' US property must be reported to OFAC, with the 50 percent ownership rule and strict-liability civil penalties applying.