India detains Iranian shadow tankers

The Indian Coast Guard detained the STELLAR RUBY (flying the Iranian flag), the ASPHALT STAR (flying the Malian flag), and the AL JAFZIA (flying the Nicaraguan flag).

All three vessels were linked to Iran.

“The syndicate used international waters to transport cheap oil from conflict regions to motor tankers, evading duties payable to coastal states,” the Indian Coast Guard said in a statement.

The tankers transported cheap oil by sea and transshipped it in international waters to motor tankers.

“Further digital investigation and analysis of vessel movement data revealed two more vessels that approached the tanker and are suspected of being involved in the illegal transfer of oil cargo from ship to ship, thereby evading significant duties to coastal states, including India,” the Indian Ministry of Defense added.

The Indians claim that the three ships frequently changed their identities to avoid prosecution by maritime law enforcement agencies. All three ships are now heading for Mumbai.

All three ships are under US sanctions.

Photo: marinetraffic.com.