Indian Merchant Navy Captain Ajay Pant Detained in UK Over Sanctions Breach

Captain Ajay Pant, an Indian merchant navy officer, remains in judicial custody in the United Kingdom following his arrest on June 14 for alleged violations of British sanctions against Russia. The British National Crime Agency (NCA) intercepted the MV Smyrtos, a tanker under Pant’s command, off the southern coast of England. Prosecutors allege that the vessel, which was carrying 98,000 tonnes of crude oil, was functioning as part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' used to bypass international sanctions.

The prosecution, led by official authorities, claims the tanker entered UK waters without a legitimate flag and was involved in supplying Russian oil to prohibited markets. Captain Pant faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years if convicted of the sanctions contravention offences. Currently, he is lodged at HMP Winchester, where he remains in contact with his family and is receiving support from the Indian High Commission in London, which is closely monitoring the legal proceedings.

While the vessel’s crew, including Indian and Georgian nationals, remain on board, the tanker itself is anchored off Weymouth in Dorset. This incident marks the first UK-led operation of its kind targeting shadow fleet vessels. The next court hearing for Captain Pant is scheduled for July 16, as Indian officials continue to coordinate with UK authorities regarding the status of the Indian national.