Lebanon’s sanctioned oil scandal exposes links to global shadow fleet and leads to new inquiries

Dozens of shipping and legal documents have exposed a connection between Lebanon's fuel crisis and a Russian-linked shadow maritime network now under western sanctions, according to a new investigation by The National. The scandal, which cost the energy-stricken country tens of millions of dollars, involves falsified certificates of origin to sell sanctioned Russian oil to third countries at market prices.

This alleged scheme involved companies and vessels sanctioned by the G7 and EU since 2023. The investigation revealed that at least eight companies and 15 vessels involved in Lebanon's fuel supply chain between 2023 and 2025 were later sanctioned for their ties with the 2Rivers oil group. The 2Rivers Group, previously known as Coral Energy Group, is a major trader of Russian crude oil and has been sanctioned by the UK for its alleged involvement in the scandal.

The scandal dates back to 2021 when Baghdad began supplying heavy fuel oil to Lebanon on preferential payment terms. The swap arrangement with Iraq was terminated in 2025.