US sanctions Indian maritime network and Turkish aviation firm over alleged Iran support
The US Treasury has sanctioned India-based businessman Suniel Kumar Sharma, his wife Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, linked companies and Turkey-based Fugo Ground Services. Treasury alleges Sharma’s network issued fraudulent flags and maritime certificates to vessels carrying Iranian petroleum, while Fugo provided ground services to sanctioned Iranian airlines.
Bottom line — The designations widen Operation Economic Outcast from Iran’s oil trade to overseas shipping and aviation service providers.
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Treasury says Sharma and Shahid, based in Chandigarh, claimed to represent countries including Guyana, Eswatini and Laos.
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The Treasury alleges the network used websites to offer vessel registration, seafarer training and ship-classification services without the named countries’ authorisation.
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The US Treasury says Fugo provided ground handling to sanctioned carriers including Iran Air Tour, Saha Airlines, Taban Airlines and Ata Airlines.
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The Office of Foreign Assets Control issued an industry alert warning of sanctions risks involving vessels operating under potentially false flags.
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Treasury says falsely flagged vessels may evade restrictions and operate without indemnity insurance, exposing coastal countries to potentially substantial liabilities.
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