A United Kingdom court has ordered the captain of a tanker linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” to stand trial over alleged violations of sanctions regulations. The case follows the recent seizure of the tanker MV Smyrtos by British authorities in the English Channel.

The captain, identified as Ajay Pant, an Indian national, appeared before a magistrates’ court after being charged with allegedly breaching UK sanctions related to the transport of Russian oil. Prosecutors claim the vessel was involved in the delivery of prohibited Russian oil products to a third country. Pant has not yet entered a plea, and the case is expected to proceed to a higher court for further hearings.

British authorities intercepted the tanker on June 14 during a large-scale operation involving Royal Marine Commandos, the National Crime Agency (NCA), naval vessels, aircraft, and helicopters. The operation reportedly lasted several hours and resulted in the vessel being detained off the southern coast of England.

According to UK officials, the tanker was operating under the Cameroon flag but had reportedly been removed from that registry, leading authorities to describe the vessel as effectively stateless. Investigators are continuing to examine the ship’s ownership, documentation, and trading activities.

The seizure forms part of broader efforts by Western governments to crack down on Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a network of vessels allegedly used to transport oil and other cargoes while avoiding international sanctions. The UK has increased enforcement actions against such vessels as part of its wider sanctions regime linked to the conflict in Ukraine.

The MV Smyrtos remains under detention while legal proceedings continue. Authorities have emphasized that the captain is entitled to a fair trial and that the charges remain allegations until proven in court.