The United States has imposed sanctions on an India-based couple and a network of associated companies, accusing them of helping Iran’s shadow oil fleet evade international restrictions through fraudulent maritime registrations and certifications.

According to the US Department of the Treasury, Suniel Kumar Sharma and his spouse, Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, allegedly operated an extensive maritime fraud network that provided false flags, registrations and certifications to vessels involved in transporting Iranian petroleum. Washington claims some of the vessels supported Iran’s military and affiliated proxy groups.

Announcing the measures, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent issued a stark warning to individuals and organisations continuing to assist Tehran. “As we have said many times, under Operation Economic Outcast, you are either with us or against us. We know where you are, and we will sanction those who continue supporting the Iranian regime, whether by land, sea, or air.”

US authorities allege that Sharma and Shahid established fraudulent maritime registries and classification societies by creating websites that falsely claimed to act on behalf of various countries without official authorisation. The Treasury said the scheme enabled sanctioned vessels carrying Iranian oil to conceal their identities and continue operating despite international restrictions.

The alleged activities reportedly date back to at least 2014, when the couple was accused of attempting to impersonate the maritime flagging authority of Dominica. US officials further claim that, over more than a decade, companies linked to the network presented themselves as legitimate maritime service providers for multiple jurisdictions across different regions of the world, despite many governments reportedly distancing themselves from such operations.

Among the entities sanctioned are Oceaniek Technologies India, Aryavart Ship Management Private Limited, Precept Trends Private Limited, Polynesia Maritime Private Limited, Alexarya Finserv Private Limited, Alexarya Media and Entertainment Private Limited, Viharaboating Private Limited and Aryavart Maritime and Educational Trust.

The latest measures were imposed under Executive Order 13902, which targets key sectors of the Iranian economy, including petroleum, petrochemicals and aviation. The action forms part of Operation Economic Outcast, launched by Bessent on 24 August 2026, with the stated objective of disrupting Iran’s economic lifelines, oil-smuggling networks, sanctions-evasion mechanisms and related financial channels.

In a parallel move, the US also sanctioned Türkiye-based Fugo Ground Services Inc, alleging that it continued providing ground-handling and related services to several already-designated Iranian carriers, including Iran Air Tour, Saha Airlines, Sepehran Airlines, Varesh Airlines, Taban Airlines and Ata Airlines Company despite repeated American warnings.

Alongside the sanctions, the Treasury issued a fresh advisory to the global maritime industry, warning companies about the risks of dealing with falsely flagged vessels. US officials said such ships can bypass regulations designed to protect crew welfare and the environment, while also operating without valid protection and indemnity insurance, potentially exposing coastal states to significant financial and environmental risks.

Under the sanctions, any property or financial interests of the designated individuals and entities that fall within US jurisdiction will be blocked.

In addition, most transactions involving them will be prohibited unless specifically authorised or exempted. The Treasury warned that breaches of these restrictions could result in civil or criminal penalties for both US and foreign persons.

ANI