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Captain of Russian shadow fleet tanker detained by UK has been charged
Ajay Pant, 38, is accused of moving prohibited Russian oil and could face up to 10 years in prison, the National Crime Agency said.
- Indian national Ajay Pant, 38, appeared in Southampton Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged with supplying prohibited Russian oil, following the seizure of the vessel Smyrtos by Royal Marine commandos and National Crime Agency officers on Sunday in the Channel.
- Russia's 'shadow fleet' operates under obscure ownership to evade international sanctions, carrying 75% of the country's sanctioned oil according to the Ministry of Defence, prompting the UK to sanction over 550 such vessels.
- Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said the interdiction 'deals another blow to Putin,' telling MPs, 'We do not seek escalation, but we will always take the necessary steps to enforce UK sanctions.'
- Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander issued an order Monday preventing the Smyrtos from leaving the UK, while the 24 crew members from Georgia and India remain on board anchored off Weymouth in Dorset.
- If convicted, Pant could face up to 10 years in prison under the 2019 regulations, while Russia has allegedly threatened to 'rig ships with bombs' in response to the interception.
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35 Articles
35 Articles
After the invasion of a Russian oil tanker in the English Channel, the UK has accused the captain of a suspected violation of Russia sanctions.
·Berlin, Germany
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources35
Leaning Left6Leaning Right8Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution39% Center
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources are Center
39% Center
L 26%
C 39%
R 35%
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