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The US has sanctioned an Indian couple and nine companies (Img: Pinterest)
Washington: The United States has imposed sanctions on an Indian couple and nine companies over their alleged involvement in a maritime network accused of helping Iran move oil through questionable shipping and registration arrangements. The action is part of Washington's wider efforts under Donald Trump to restrict Tehran's petroleum exports and target businesses suspected of assisting its efforts to bypass international sanctions.
US authorities allege that the network provided fraudulent maritime documentation, including vessel registration papers and flag-related certifications, to ships connected with Iran's oil trade.
The US Treasury Department identified Suniel Kumar Sharma and Jaspreet Preeti Shahid as individuals allegedly associated with the operation. According to the allegations, the network functioned through several business entities in India, with activities reportedly linked to Chandigarh.
Today, as part of Operation Economic Outcast, Treasury targeted the vast criminal network of India-based Suniel Kumar Sharma and his spouse, Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, who have supported Iran’s shadow fleet through a web maritime fraud. Their schemes have provided false flags and certifications to sanctioned vessels involved in transporting Iranian petroleum, including vessels operating on behalf of the Iranian military and its proxies.
https://t.co/LXl5cDbfDF
— Treasury Department (@USTreasury) November 4, 2026
Investigators claim that the companies offered maritime registration and certification services that could allow vessels to operate under misleading identities or claim links with countries whose authorities had not authorised such arrangements.
The alleged operation highlights how shipping-related service providers can play a role in helping restricted oil shipments move through international trade routes.
A major concern raised by US authorities involves websites and maritime registries that allegedly offered vessel registration services without proper government approval.
The investigation also drew attention to a Singapore-based maritime registry established in 2023. US officials alleged that the operation continued providing services despite questions surrounding its authorisation and recognition.
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Such practices can create difficulties for international regulators attempting to verify a vessel's ownership, registration status and commercial activities. They can also raise concerns about maritime safety, insurance coverage and accountability when incidents occur at sea.
Alongside the Indian couple, nine companies have been included in the latest sanctions announcement. Indian nationals Ashwani Kumar Dhiman and Ishwinder Singh were also named in connection with the alleged activities.
The restrictions reflect Washington's approach of targeting not just oil traders but also the intermediaries and service providers suspected of supporting Iran's petroleum supply chain.
The latest move comes amid continued US efforts to disrupt Iran's oil revenues and restrict the international networks allegedly facilitating its exports.
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Shipping companies, vessel operators, registration agencies and other intermediaries have increasingly come under scrutiny as Washington seeks to close loopholes in its sanctions framework.
The action sends a broader message to maritime businesses that allegedly providing services to evade international restrictions could expose them to significant financial and regulatory consequences.
