U.S. targets company network tied to Russia, Iran sanctions-evasion scheme
The U.S. has announced a new sanctions package targeting a network of companies and vessels that were smuggling Iranian oil and passing it off as Iraqi
Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s aide, reports.
According to him, the scheme was controlled by an Iraqi-Chinese businessman living in the United Arab Emirates. Each year, the network generated hundreds of millions of dollars and operated directly in the interests of a state sponsor of terrorism.
On September 2, the U.S. Treasury imposed full blocking sanctions on seven companies and nine tankers involved in the scheme.
“This is a clear signal: any attempts to help Iran or Russia evade sanctions are doomed. Every dollar gained from the ‘shadow fleet’ or smuggling will be blocked,” Yermak emphasized.
He added that, together with allies, Ukraine continues to build a system that deprives aggressors of financial resources for waging war. According to him, several proposals from Ukraine’s sanctions group are being considered when decisions on restrictions are made.
- Saudi Aramco and Iraq’s state-owned SOMO halted crude oil sales to India’s Nayara Energy after the European Union imposed sanctions in July on a refinery controlled by the Russian capital.
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