United Kingdom: British authorities have arrested a 38-year-old Indian national after intercepting a Russian oil tanker in the English Channel as part of a major sanctions enforcement operation.
The vessel, identified as Smyrtos, was stopped during a joint mission involving the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and British Armed Forces. According to officials, Royal Marine Commandos and NCA officers boarded the tanker during a six-hour operation conducted in international waters off England’s southern coast.
This morning, UK forces boarded a Russian tanker in the English Channel that was secretly helping to bankroll Putin’s war in Ukraine.
The first operation of its kind led by British forces, and a clear message: there is nowhere to hide. pic.twitter.com/RQdw7bmuQw
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) June 14, 2026
The NCA confirmed the arrest and said the individual is suspected of sanctions-related offences under UK regulations connected to Russia.
“Following the interdiction of a Russian shadow fleet vessel in the early hours of 14 June, a 38-year-old Indian national has been arrested by officers from the National Crime Agency on suspicion of sanctions offences under the Russia regulations,” an NCA spokesperson said.
Authorities stated that the investigation is ongoing. The tanker remains anchored off the Dorset coast, while 24 Indian and Georgian crew members continue to assist investigators.
British officials described the operation as a significant move against Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”, which is accused of helping transport sanctioned oil.
