US Targets Chandigarh Couple for Alleged Support of Iran's Shadow Fleet

Sanctions Imposed on Indian Nationals

The United States has enacted sanctions against a couple from Chandigarh, Suniel Kumar Sharma and Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, along with their network of companies, for allegedly aiding Iran's clandestine fleet by providing fraudulent flags and certifications for oil transportation.

According to the US Department of Treasury, the couple is accused of deceiving maritime regulatory bodies in various regions to create false-flagging authorities and maritime classification organizations.

The Treasury's statement highlighted that Sharma and Shahid have purportedly represented nations from around the globe, including Guyana, Eswatini, and Laos, enabling the Iranian shadow fleet, which includes vessels linked to the Iranian military and its affiliates, to bypass international sanctions.

In 2023, Sharma founded the Singapore-based Eswatini Maritime Affairs and International Ship Registry PTE. Ltd., which, despite being publicly rejected by Eswatini officials, continues to offer flagging services for ships carrying Iranian oil.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the US's commitment to sanctioning those who support the Iranian regime through any means, stating, 'We know where you are, and we will sanction those who continue supporting the Iranian regime, whether by land, sea, or air.'

The Treasury also noted that Sharma and Shahid oversee a network of companies primarily based in India, some of which are involved in creating fraudulent flagging registries.

Sharma is identified as the managing director of Oceaniek Technologies India, a firm allegedly used to set up deceptive flag registries claiming to belong to Aruba, Nicaragua, and Sint Maarten.

Additionally, Indian nationals Ashwani Kumar Dhiman and Ishwinder Singh are listed as nominal directors of Sharma's enterprises, including Aryavart Ship Management Private Limited.

The US has also sanctioned several India-based companies controlled by Shahid, including Precept Trends Private Limited, Polynesia Maritime Private Limited, Alexarya Finserv Private Limited, Alexarya Media and Entertainment Private Limited, Viharaboating Private Limited, and Aryavart Maritime and Educational Trust.