The U.S. Department of the Treasury has sanctioned an India based network accused of giving false ship flags and maritime certificates to vessels in Iran’s shadow fleet. 

The move is part of Operation Economic Outcast and names Suniel Kumar Sharma, his wife Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, and several companies tied to them. Officials say the network helped sanctioned tankers carrying Iranian oil get around international rules. 

How the Alleged Scheme Worked 

Treasury says Sharma and Shahid worked out of Chandigarh, India, and set up websites that claimed to offer flagging, seafarer certification, and vessel classification services for countries that never gave them permission. Those countries included Guyana, Eswatini, Aruba, Mali, Mozambique, Malawi, Sint Maarten, Timor Leste, and others. 

Many of the registries were not linked to real companies. The network bought web domains and built sites that looked official. Sanctioned ships used these false flags even though the governments involved had already said they had nothing to do with them. 

Vessels and Companies Targeted 

Treasury connected the network to several sanctioned tankers, including the PING SHUN, LATTAFA, BINARY STAR, and VERA. One ship, the MAJESTIC X, was seized earlier this year while carrying Iranian oil under a false Guyana flag. 

Among the companies named are Eswatini Maritime Affairs and International Ship Registry, Oceaniek Technologies India, and Aryavart Ship Management Private Limited. Two other Indian nationals who served as directors were also listed. 

Aviation Support Also Sanctioned 

In the same action, Treasury designated a Türkiye based company called Fugo Ground Services Inc for providing ground handling services to several U.S. sanctioned Iranian airlines. Officials said the firm kept doing the work even after those airlines were designated. 

Sanctions Cases Carry Serious Consequences 

U.S. sanctions designations can freeze assets, cut off access to the financial system, and create long term legal problems for people and companies. If you or your business has been named in a sanctions action, received a related inquiry, or is worried about possible exposure, the early response matters. Bukhlaw represents people and companies facing white collar and sanctions related matters.  

Contact us through the form on our site for a confidential discussion about your situation.