Authorities in the United States have stepped up action against illicit oil trafficking. The move involved the seizure of two vessels in separate maritime operations. The vessels include a Russian-linked tanker and a stateless ‘dark fleet’ ship.
The seizures were conducted in the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. They underscore Washington’s commitment to enforcing sanctions and curbing illicit oil movements in the Western Hemisphere.
“I believe you’re referring to the Bella 1 tanker that was seized this morning,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. “The Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Department of War, did announce that a seizure this morning was for violation of US sanctions.”
Speaking to reporters, Leavitt stated that the seizure was announced earlier in the day and was linked to violations of US sanctions.
“The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic Ocean pursuant to a warrant issued by a US federal court after being tracked by the USCGC Munro,” an official statement said.
Officials noted that the operation was carried out under a presidential directive targeting sanctioned vessels operating outside international norms.
US Calls Bella 1 Part of Venezuelan ‘Shadow Fleet’
US authorities described the Bella 1 as part of a Venezuelan ‘shadow fleet’ engaged in transporting sanctioned oil.
Leavitt emphasised the administration’s stance, saying such activities would not be tolerated.
Additionally, officials confirmed that the crew of the Bella 1 is now subject to prosecution. The action relates to applicable violations of federal law.
Second Interdiction Targets Dark Fleet Tanker in Caribbean
Separately, US authorities apprehended another tanker, the M/T Sophia, during a pre-dawn operation in the Caribbean Sea.
“In a pre-dawn action this morning, the Department of War, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker without incident,” the Department of War said.
“The interdicted vessel, M/T Sophia, was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea,” it said.
Leavitt said the operations reflect a whole-of-government approach to sanctions enforcement and regional security.
“Through Operation Southern Spear, the Department of War is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere,” the statement said.
Responding to questions about possible escalation with Moscow, she clarified that the actions were strictly limited to sanctions enforcement.
Furthermore, she emphasised that only legitimate commerce is permitted under US law.
Meanwhile, US officials have consistently warned about the use of stateless vessels. In particular, they note that ships operating under false or frequently changed flags are commonly used to evade sanctions.
Consequently, such practices allow operators to conceal ownership and bypass enforcement mechanisms.
Overall, the latest seizures underline a broader strategy to block illicit revenue flows. The move also aims to strengthen enforcement of US sanctions regimes targeting illegal oil trade.
Also Read: US Tightens Control Over Venezuelan Oil Exports Under Sanctions
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