US sanctions Indian companies over alleged maritime fraud aiding Iran

The US Treasury announced sanctions on Wednesday, targeting a large-scale Indian criminal network that allegedly aided Iran's shadow fleet of oil tankers in committing maritime fraud. The network, run by two Indian nationals, Suniel Kumar Sharma and Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, was accused of helping Iranian vessels sail under false flags and obtain fake maritime certifications.

This move is the latest in a series of US sanctions imposed on Iran since August, following Washington's decision to seek economic asphyxiation of the country amid its military campaign. The sanctions named Sharma and Shahid as operating the fraud network from Chandigarh, allowing the Iranian shadow fleet to evade international restrictions.

The Treasury also targeted two other Indian nationals and several companies linked to the criminal network. In addition, the US imposed sanctions on Turkey-based Fugo Ground Services Inc for allegedly continuing to provide services to Iran's aviation sector, which has been targeted for shutdown.