The captain of a Russian shadow fleet vessel intercepted by British troops in the English Channel has been charged with breaching sanctions, the National Crime Agency (NCA) announced on Monday.
Interception and Charges
Indian national Ajay Pant, 38, faces allegations of directly or indirectly supplying prohibited oil or oil products from Russia to a third country in June 2026, contravening Regulation 46Z9B of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, according to the NCA.
Royal Marine commandos and NCA officers seized the tanker MV Smyrtos in the Channel early on June 14, marking the first UK-led operation to capture a sanctioned vessel. Pant was arrested by NCA officers and will appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. The 24 crew members, from Georgia and India, remain aboard the ship.
Government Action
On Monday, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander issued an order formally preventing the MV Smyrtos from leaving the UK. The charges were authorized by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) following a review of the NCA's evidence.
Joanne Jakymec, chief Crown prosecutor for the CPS, stated that the CPS had worked closely with the NCA during the investigation. She reminded the public that criminal proceedings against Pant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial, urging against any reporting or commentary that could prejudice the case.
