US targets Indian firms in sanctions over Iran maritime deception scheme

The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced sanctions against Indian nationals and entities it alleges orchestrated a sprawling criminal operation designed to obscure Iranian maritime activities. According to the agency, the network utilized forged shipping certifications and fraudulent vessel registrations to enable Iranian ships to operate internationally while evading detection.

The alleged scheme involved circumventing international shipping regulations through the use of false flags and fraudulent maritime credentials, allowing Iranian vessels to access global trade routes and international ports despite existing US and international sanctions frameworks.

OFAC designated multiple Indian nationals and their associated companies as part of efforts to disrupt what officials characterize as a coordinated sanctions evasion network. The designations effectively freeze any US-based assets and bar US persons and entities from conducting business with the sanctioned parties.

The action reflects ongoing US enforcement against sanctions circumvention networks across South Asia. Indian authorities have not yet issued public statements regarding the designations. The Treasury Department signaled the enforcement action as part of its broader strategy to prevent maritime deception schemes that undermine international sanctions regimes targeting Iran.