US Sanctions Indian Couple and Companies Over Alleged Support for Iran’s Shadow Tanker Fleet

Washington, D.C. (Terror Monitor) — The United States has imposed sanctions on an Indian businessman, his wife and several companies linked to them over allegations that they helped Iran operate a covert network of oil tankers and evade international sanctions through fraudulent ship registrations and maritime certifications.

The US Department of the Treasury announced the measures on Wednesday, November 4, under the Trump administration’s campaign, known as Operation Economic Outcast, targeting networks accused of facilitating Iran’s oil exports and supporting its military and affiliated groups.

The Treasury identified the individuals as Suniel Kumar Sharma and his wife, Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, who are based in Chandigarh, northern India.

According to the department, the couple allegedly established fraudulent maritime registration authorities and classification organisations, falsely claiming to represent several countries, including Guyana, Eswatini and Laos.

Through these operations, they allegedly provided false national flags, registration documents and maritime certifications to sanctioned oil tankers, enabling vessels transporting Iranian petroleum to continue operating despite international restrictions.

The Treasury said the network also supported vessels operating on behalf of the Iranian military and its affiliated groups, helping them conceal their identities and circumvent sanctions.

Fake maritime registration networks

The Treasury said the couple's alleged activities dated back to at least 2014, when they attempted to impersonate the maritime flagging authority of the Caribbean nation of Dominica.

In 2023, Sharma established a Singapore-based company called Eswatini Maritime Affairs and International Ship Registry PTE. Ltd., which purported to provide ship registration services under the name of Eswatini.

However, authorities in Eswatini publicly disavowed the company, stating that it had no official connection with the country. Despite this, the company allegedly continued providing registration and flagging services to vessels transporting Iranian oil.

One of the vessels identified by the Treasury was the sanctioned tanker PING SHUN (IMO 9231901), which had reportedly transported Iranian petroleum on multiple occasions.

The department also accused Sharma of using an India-based company, Oceaniek Technologies India, to establish fraudulent maritime registries claiming to represent Aruba, Nicaragua and Sint Maarten.

Other sanctioned vessels allegedly provided with false flags through the network included LATTAFA (IMO 9245794), BINARY STAR (IMO 9380570) and VERA (IMO 9304655).

The Treasury further alleged that the couple created websites claiming to offer maritime registration, seafarer training, certification and vessel classification services on behalf of countries that had never authorised them to do so.

Companies and individuals placed under sanctions

In addition to Sharma and Shahid, the US Treasury designated several India-based companies allegedly owned or controlled by the couple.

These include:

* Oceaniek Technologies India

* Aryavart Ship Management Private Limited

* Precept Trends Private Limited

* Polynesia Maritime Private Limited

* Alexarya Finserv Private Limited

* Alexarya Media and Entertainment Private Limited

* Viharaboating Private Limited

* Aryavart Maritime and Educational Trust

The Singapore-based Eswatini Maritime Affairs and International Ship Registry PTE. Ltd. was also included in the sanctions.

The department additionally designated two Indian nationals, Ashwani Kumar Dhiman and Ishwinder Singh, who allegedly acted on behalf of companies connected to the couple.

The Treasury said Sharma was sanctioned for operating in Iran's petroleum sector, while Shahid was designated for providing material and other support to his activities.

US Treasury Secretary issues warning

Commenting on the sanctions, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Washington would continue targeting individuals and organisations supporting the Iranian government.

In a statement posted on social media, Bessent said:

"As we have said many times, under Operation Economic Outcast, you are either with us or against us. We know where you are, and we will sanction those who continue supporting the Iranian regime, whether by land, sea, or air."

He said the administration would pursue networks providing assistance to Iran through maritime, financial and other channels.

Reuters reports wider US sanctions campaign

In a report published on November 4, Reuters confirmed that the latest measures also targeted individuals and companies in Turkey accused of supporting Iran.

According to Reuters, the Treasury separately sanctioned Turkey-based Fugo Ground Services Inc. over its continued support for Iran's heavily sanctioned aviation sector.

The news agency reported that the measures form part of the Trump administration's broader effort to restrict Iran's ability to generate revenue through oil exports and other economic activities.

Reuters also reported that the US administration believes its sanctions campaign has contributed to severe economic pressure on Iran, including a sharp decline in the value of its currency and inflation approaching 90 percent.

Al Jazeera, reporting on November 5, also covered the sanctions against the Indian couple and their alleged use of fraudulent maritime registries to facilitate Iranian oil shipments.

Part of broader pressure on Iran

The latest action represents another expansion of Washington's economic pressure campaign against Tehran, particularly targeting the networks involved in transporting Iranian oil and providing logistical support to sanctioned entities.

Under Operation Economic Outcast, the US Treasury has warned that companies and individuals facilitating sanctions evasion or providing financial and logistical assistance to Iran could face restrictions and exclusion from the US financial system.

The latest designations highlight Washington's growing focus on the international maritime networks, fraudulent ship registries and commercial intermediaries allegedly used to keep Iranian oil shipments moving despite US sanctions.