Sat Apr 12 11:07:38 UTC 2025: ## US Sanctions Indian National, Two Indian Firms for Facilitating Iranian Oil Smuggling

**New York/Washington, April 12, 2025** – The United States Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on an Indian national based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and two India-based entities for their involvement in Iran’s “shadow fleet” and illicit oil shipments.

Jugwinder Singh Brar, a ship captain and owner of several shipping companies, was named alongside Global Tankers Private Limited and B and P Solutions Private Limited. The Treasury alleges that Brar’s network of nearly 30 vessels, many operating under the guise of smaller, coastal tankers, engages in ship-to-ship transfers of Iranian oil in international waters. These transfers often involve disabling or manipulating the Automatic Identification System (AIS) to mask the vessels’ locations.

The oil is then blended with products from other countries, and shipping documents are falsified to hide its Iranian origin, allowing it to reach the international market. The Treasury Department highlighted Brar’s collaboration with Houthi financial officials in employing this evasion tactic. His vessels have made numerous port calls at Indian oil and gas terminals.

The sanctions, issued under an executive order targeting Iran’s petroleum sector, represent the fifth round of penalties against Iranian oil sales since 2018. All US-based assets of the sanctioned individuals and entities are frozen, and any transactions involving them are prohibited. Violations could result in severe civil or criminal penalties.

Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent stated that the US aims to disrupt Iran’s oil exports and prevent those profiting from this trade. The sanctions underscore the ongoing efforts to counter Iran’s destabilizing activities.

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