"That vessel had entered UK territorial waters"
The captain of a Russian shadow fleet vessel, which was intercepted by British troops in the English Channel, appeared in court charged with breaching sanctions.
Indian national Ajay Pant has been charged with allegedly supplying or delivering prohibited Russian oil by ship to a third country, contrary to Regulation 46Z9B of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.
The 38-year-old appeared before Southampton Magistrates’ Court on June 16 via video link. He appeared from Bournemouth police station for the preliminary hearing.
Pant confirmed his name and date of birth before telling the court he lives in India. He gave no indication of his plea.
The court heard Pant was on board the MV Smyrtos when it was intercepted. Prosecutors said the tanker was carrying around 98,000 tonnes of oil.
Pant has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on July 16, 2026.
Prosecutors allege the MV Smyrtos formed part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, which is used to transport oil while evading Western sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Crown argues Pant was effectively in charge of the vessel during its voyage.
Prosecutor Varun Chuni said: “The facts of this matter are that on the morning of June 14, 2026, Royal Marines and the National Crime Agency boarded MV Smyrtos. That vessel had entered UK territorial waters without a legitimate flag.
“The master of that vessel has been identified as Mr Pant. He is an Indian national, and he was arrested on the evening of June 14 and remanded in custody.
“The amount of oil being carried was significant. I am told that it is 98,000 tonnes of oil. It is uncontroversial to state that it will be a significant value of money.”
Russia’s shadow fleet is believed to consist of more than 1,000 ageing tankers. They are accused of transporting oil and other goods under the flags of different countries to avoid international sanctions.
Pant’s defence argued he was “simply following orders”, had no previous convictions and had no control over the vessel’s destination or cargo.
Royal Marine commandos and officers from the National Crime Agency seized the tanker on June 14.
The operation marked the first time UK authorities had captured a sanctioned vessel. The MV Smyrtos has since been formally prevented from leaving British waters.
The vessel remains anchored off Weymouth in Dorset.
Its 24 crew members, from India and Georgia, remain on board.
Joanne Jakymec, chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS, said the decision to prosecute Ajay Pant followed an investigation by the National Crime Agency.
Under Part 9 of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, anyone convicted of a trade offence of this nature could face up to 10 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
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