WASHINGTON: The United States has imposed sanctions on an India-origin couple and eight companies linked to them for allegedly helping Iran evade international oil sanctions through fake maritime registrations and shipping certificates.
The US Treasury Department announced the sanctions on Wednesday. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that those supporting Iran must choose whether they are with or against the United States.
The department identified the individuals as India-origin Sunil Kumar Sharma and his wife, Jaspreet Preeti Shahid. According to the US Treasury, the couple operated a network that provided fraudulent vessel registration and maritime certification services, enabling sanctioned ships to continue transporting Iranian petroleum while circumventing international restrictions.
The alleged activities date back to at least 2014, when the couple reportedly attempted to impersonate Dominica’s official maritime ship registry. Their network subsequently provided registration services to vessels involved in transporting Iranian oil, the department said.
Eight India-linked entities associated with the couple have also been sanctioned. These include Oceanic Technologies India, Aryavart Ship Management Pvt Ltd, Precept Trends Pvt Ltd, Polynesia Maritime Pvt Ltd, Alexarya Finserve Pvt Ltd, Alexarya Media and Entertainment Pvt Ltd, Viharaboting Pvt Ltd and Aryavart Maritime and Educational Trust.
The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13902, which targets key sectors of Iran’s economy, including petroleum, petrochemicals and aviation.
In a separate action, the US also sanctioned Turkey-based Fugo Ground Services Inc for allegedly providing ground-handling and other services to several Iranian airlines already under American sanctions. These include Iran Air Tour, Saha Airlines, Sepehran Airlines, Varesh Airlines, Taban Airlines and Ata Airlines.
Bessent said in a post on X that the US would continue targeting those providing support to the Iranian regime through land, sea or air under its ‘Operation Economic Outcast’.
Announced on August 24, 2026, the operation aims to weaken Iran’s economic lifelines by targeting oil-smuggling networks, sanctions-evasion mechanisms and financial channels.
Under the latest measures, individuals and entities subject to US jurisdiction are prohibited from conducting transactions involving the property or financial interests of designated individuals and companies. Violations could invite civil or criminal penalties, the Treasury Department warned.
The US also cautioned the maritime industry against dealing with vessels operating under fraudulent flags or registrations, citing potential risks to crew safety, environmental protection and international maritime regulations.
