Indian captain ‘scapegoat’ in Britain’s Russia shadow fleet case, says wife
The case could test how far Western governments will pursue criminal sanctions against shadow fleet operators and their seafarers.
Indian captain Ajay Pant of a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker seized by British commandos is being treated as a "scapegoat" by his wife, Ritu Pant, as he awaits trial. Pant, 38, faces sanctions offences that could result in a maximum 10-year prison sentence. His arrest in the English Channel on June 14 came after commandos intercepted the sanctioned tanker, Smyrtos, which is alleged to be part of Russia’s ghost fleet.
The tanker, carrying around 98,000 tonnes of oil, allegedly passed through the Baltic Sea and was headed for Egypt’s Port Said when it was intercepted. Pant’s wife says he was at the wrong place at the wrong time and is struggling in custody. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the operation as a "blow to Russia." Pant’s lawyer argues he was simply following orders as an employee, but the prosecution claims he had knowledge of the cargo.
If convicted, Pant’s case could set a legal precedent for merchant seafarers. The trial is scheduled to begin on December 15, and the case is seen as a test of how far Western governments will go in using criminal sanctions enforcement against seafarers. The situation has made seafarers fearful of being caught in the middle of a geopolitical conflict.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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