Latest sanctions are biggest Iran-related sanctions package since 2018 targets corrupt regime-linked shipping empire that has funneled billions to Tehran.
The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated more than 50 individuals and entities and identifying more than 50 vessels that are part of the vast shipping empire controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani (Hossein).
Hossein—the son of Ali Shamkhani, a top political advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran—leverages corruption through his father’s political influence at the highest levels of the Iranian regime to build and operate a massive fleet of tankers and containerships. This network transports oil and petroleum products from Iran and Russia, as well as other cargo, to buyers around the world, generating tens of billions of dollars in profit.
The following vessels are being blocked pursuant to E.O. 13902 for being in the interest of Hossein Shamkhani:
Tanzania-flagged URANUS (IMO 9248485), Panamanian-flagged OMNI (IMO 9400980), which counts Draco Buren, Wanta Shipping L.L.C-FZ, and Armada Global Shipping DMCC among its former management and ownership, operate on behalf of Hossein Shamkhani. The URANUS and the OMNI are being identified pursuant to E.O. 13902 as property in the interest of Hossein.
The Shamkhani network’s fleet also includes vessels owned, managed, and operated by special purpose vehicles incorporated specifically for providing a legal and financial insulation around each of Hossein Shamkhani’s vessels. The following management firms are being designated and their respective vessels are being blocked pursuant to E.O. 13902.
The following vessels are being blocked for being property in the interest of The Zulu Ships Management and Operation – Sole Proprietorship L.L.C: the Panama-flagged AETHER (IMO 9328170), APATE (IMO 9433016), BRIONT (IMO 9252955), ETHERA (IMO 9387279), MANASLU (IMO 9388027), MISHELL (IMO 9332315), MYRA (IMO 9336490), TAGOR (IMO 9282481), and TOA PAYOH (IMO 9298492) and the Liberia-flagged NEMRUT (IMO 9439541) and TASSOS (IMO 9408695).
The following vessels are being blocked in the interest of Algae Ship Charter – FZCO: the Liberia-flagged ANTARES I (IMO 9382073), the Panama-flagged CHARMINAR (IMO 9318022) and the unknown-flagged EVENTIN (IMO 9308065).
Marshall Islands-based Nova Lines Inc. is the registered owner of Palau-flagged ELKE (IMO 9012886), which has transported Iranian petroleum products. Nova Lines Inc. is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for operating in the petroleum sector of the Iranian economy. The ELKE is being identified as property in which Nova Lines Inc. has an interest.
The following vessels are being blocked in the interest of Marvise SMC DMCC: the Liberia-flagged ALE (IMO 9303754), BERTIE (IMO 9241487), BIGLI (IMO 9307047), HAKUNA MATATA (IMO 9354167), LIDIA (IMO 9330501), MOANA (IMO 9292151), PINOCCHIO (IMO 9400112), PUMBA (IMO 9302566), RANTANPLAN (IMO 9307023), SIMBA (IMO 9719862), STAR (IMO 9436484), TEX (IMO 9246322), TIMON (IMO 9415844), YOGI (IMO 9307009), ZAGOR (IMO 9313242) and the San Marino-flagged VANI (IMO 9264881), which was formerly managed and operated by Progwin Shipping SA.
The following vessels are being blocked in the interest of Reel Shipping L.L.C: the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines-flagged ACE (IMO 9228538); the Liberia-flagged AEOLUS (IMO 9088524), ROB (IMO 9236652), and TB ANPING (IMO 9237084); the St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged CERUS (IMO 9259408) and DHANU (IMO 9122473); and the Panama-flagged GAUJA (IMO 9348493).
The following shipping firms are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of Hossein Shamkhani. Their respective vessels are being identified as blocked property pursuant to E.O. 13902:
Marshall Islands-based Silver Tetra Marine Co.: Liberia-flagged GUANYIN (IMO 9299707);
Marshall Islands-based Ravi Lines Inc: Panama-flagged IANTHE (IMO 9554822);
Marshall Islands-based Kanti Lines Inc.: San Marino-flagged KANTI (IMO 9282106);
Marshall Islands-based Meuse Shipping Inc.: Palau-flagged IRIS (IMO 9247778);
Seychelles-based Backstreet Palm Corp: Vanuatu-flagged YODAN (IMO 9304356);
Liberia-based Mahadev Maritime Inc: Palau-flagged MAHADEV (IMO 9571052);
Marshall Islands-based Kylo Shipping Inc.: Comoros-flagged KYLO (IMO 9189146);
Marshall Islands-based Yug Shipping Inc.: Comoros-flagged YUG (IMO 9288875);
Marshall Islands-based Zale Shipping Inc.: Panama-flagged ZALE (IMO 9321718);
Marshall Islands-based Neo Shipping Inc.: Panama-flagged ABHRA (IMO 9282041);
Marshall Islands-based Xante Line Inc.: Panama-flagged XANTE (IMO 9554834).
You can read additional information here.
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