Tanker Confiscation Threat: US, UK Sanctions Russia, Iran, Venezuela

LONDON – The ⁤British government is exploring legal avenues to allow its navy to ‍seize‍ vessels in british waters suspected of belonging to ⁢a “shadow fleet” used‍ to bypass Western sanctions. The plan,​ first ⁣reported by the BBC, is anticipated to primarily target ships linked⁣ to Russia, ⁣Iran, and ⁤Venezuela.

The legal basis for such actions stems ‌from the⁤ UK’s ‍Sanctions and Money Laundering Act of​ 2018. Initially designed‍ to enforce UN Security Council sanctions, the Act ⁢was broadened to include entities accused of ⁤human rights violations by the UK government.

Under the Act,⁢ the​ government possesses the ​authority to detain “certain vessels” within its territorial waters or deny them entry. This could‌ perhaps impact maritime traffic through the english Channel, a crucial international ⁣shipping route.