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...
- The legal basis for such actions stems from the UK's Sanctions and Money Laundering Act of 2018.
- Under the Act, the government possesses the authority to detain "certain vessels" within its territorial waters or deny them entry.
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.