Pratik Bijlani –
In a significant departure from its usual strategy, the US Treasury has imposed sanctions directly on two Indian-origin maritime captains as part of a broader effort targeting the financial networks of Sa’id al-Jamal, a key facilitator for Houthi interests. This move underscores a shift away from targeting traditional shipowners or charterers to directly penalizing licensed mariners involved in illicit activities.
Capt. Vivek Ashok Pandey, identified as the master of the tanker Olympics (formerly Lady Sophia), stands accused of operating within the Sa’id al-Jamal network. According to Treasury reports, the Olympics, currently navigating the East China Sea, allegedly employs forged documentation to disguise its cargo as “Malaysian,” a common tactic used for Iranian oil shipments destined for China. The vessel is linked to covert smuggling operations benefiting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Similarly, Capt. Sandeep Singh Choudhary, master of the tanker La Pearl (also known as Elite), has been implicated for his vessel’s involvement in transporting sanctioned cargoes. The La Pearl, reportedly owned by the blacklisted Saone Shipping Corporation, supports the oil-smuggling activities of Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars Company (SEJ), identified as an Iranian government front company.
These sanctions, issued by the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, represent a targeted effort to dismantle the financial infrastructure enabling Houthi-linked smuggling operations. The unprecedented action against licensed mariners marks a strategic shift in US policy, aiming to disrupt maritime activities facilitating Iran’s illicit oil trade under the guise of legitimate shipping operations.
The implications of these sanctions are expected to reverberate across global maritime sectors, underscoring heightened scrutiny on vessel operators and their direct involvement in sanction-evading schemes. As maritime stakeholders assess the fallout, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the regulatory risks associated with international shipping operations amidst geopolitical tensions.
Marex Media