Captain of Russian shadow fleet tanker intercepted in Channel charged

The captain of a Russian oil tanker, operating as part of the "shadow fleet," has been charged after being intercepted in the English Channel. Ajay Pant, a 38-year-old Indian national, faces charges for allegedly contravening sanctions, according to the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Pant is due to appear in court on Tuesday. The vessel, MV Smyrtos, remains held off the coast of Weymouth with its 24 crew members. The NCA stated the captain is charged with "contravening Reg 46Z9B Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 and directly or indirectly supplying or delivering by ship prohibited oil/oil products from Russia to a third country."

Sunday's operation was a significant display of force, involving Royal Marine Commandos fast-roping from a helicopter onto the tanker, supported by the Royal Air Force. This marked the first time UK armed forces have conducted such an operation against a sanctioned vessel passing through British waters.

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contravening Reg 46Z9B Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 and directly or indirectly supplying or delivering by ship prohibited oil/oil products from Russia to a third country

Russia utilizes hundreds of oil tankers, known as its "shadow fleet," to circumvent sanctions imposed by the UK and its allies following the invasion of Ukraine. The UK has sanctioned over 500 such ships. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously announced that British forces are now authorized to board sanctioned vessels in UK waters.

Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis stated in Parliament that the operation sends "a clear signal to Russia that the UK and its allies can and will act against the Russian war machine." This incident underscores the UK's commitment to enforcing sanctions against Russia.

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a clear signal to Russia that the UK and its allies can and will act against the Russian war machine