Indian Captain of Sanctioned Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Charged in UK Court
The Indian captain of a sanctioned Russian shadow fleet oil tanker intercepted by British armed forces while crossing the English Channel en route from Russia to India has been arrested in the UK and appeared in court charged with breaching sanctions.
Ajay Pant, 38, a resident of Nainital district in Kumaon area of Uttarakhand, appeared via video link at Southampton magistrates’ court from Bournemouth police station on June 16, charged with “directly or indirectly supplying or delivering prohibited Russian oil from Russia to a third country by ship, in contravention of Regulation 46Z9B of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.”
His solicitor, James Diamond, told the court: “It was not his choice as to where this vessel was going or the cargo this vessel was carrying. He was simply following orders from those in the corporation. He is just an employee doing his job who now finds himself before a British court.”
UK Authorities Board Sanctioned Russian Tanker
Prosecutor Varun Chuni told the court that Royal Marines and the National Crime Agency (NCA) boarded the vessel, MV Smyrtos, on the morning of June 14 after it entered UK territorial waters without a legitimate flag. Pant, identified as the vessel’s master, was arrested that evening and remanded in custody.
Uttarakhand Government Seeks Assistance for Captain’s Release
District judge David Robinson sent the case to Bournemouth crown court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on July 16, with Pant remanded in custody in the interim. The offence carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.
Uttarakhand home secretary Shailesh Bagauli told TOI on Friday that the state govt was aware of the matter and had written to the Centre seeking assistance. “We wrote to the ministry of external affairs two days ago to seek their assistance for Pant’s release and return. Our regional commissioner based in Delhi is coordinating with the central authorities in the matter,” he added.
Family Appeals for Captain’s Safe Return
The high commission of India in the UK has been in contact with British authorities and has been granted consular access to Pant. Twenty-four crew members from Georgia and India remain on board the vessel, currently anchored off Weymouth in Dorset and being monitored for environmental and safety concerns.
Pant’s wife Ritu said that she learned of her husband’s arrest only through British media reports on social media, with no official communication received from either UK or Indian authorities. She added that her husband’s maritime career of over 15 years has been “spotless as he has worked while following all the applicable laws and regulations.” “His subordinates have always respected him since he rose in his career with hard work and integrity. He was just following orders from his corporation to captain the ship, and is not at fault.”
Ritu also voiced concern for her husband’s safety in British custody. “We suspect that he would not be safe in the jail there. Hence, we appeal to the Indian govt to intervene in the matter as early as possible to ensure his safe return back home.”
Original Article: Indian captain of sanctioned Russian shadow fleet tanker charged in UK court; family in U’khand appeals for safe return — Indiatimes