US slaps sanctions on Indian, Turkish firms and people for aiding Iran
USO•The US Treasury sanctioned an India-based network accused of providing false flags and certifications to vessels transporting Iranian petroleum, along with Turkey-based Fugo Ground Services for supporting Iran’s aviation sector. The measures freeze US-linked assets and prohibit most dealings with designated people and entities.
1. Sanctions target network
The Treasury said the measures target a network run by India-based Suniel Kumar Sharma and Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, four other Indian citizens and nine entities connected to Sharma. It accused the network of providing false flags and maritime certifications to vessels transporting Iranian petroleum, including vessels operating for Iran’s military and its proxies.
2. Alleged false registries
The department said Sharma and Shahid fraudulently claimed to represent Guyana, Eswatini and Laos, using websites and India-based entities to establish flagging registries and offer related services. Treasury also sanctioned Turkey-based Fugo Ground Services, saying it provided ground handling and other services to several sanctioned Iranian airlines.
3. Restrictions and warning
The sanctions freeze designated persons’ US-linked assets, prohibit most dealings with them and extend restrictions to companies they own at least 50%. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US would pursue supporters of Iran “whether by land, sea, or air.”
