April 25th 2024.
The United States government has taken a firm stance against illicit trade and unlawful transfers of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by slapping sanctions on more than a dozen companies, individuals, and vessels. This includes three companies from India that have been found to be aiding and financing the clandestine sale of Iranian UAVs to Russia's involvement in Ukraine.
The US Department of Treasury has revealed that these entities have been playing a crucial role in facilitating and funding the covert sale of Iranian UAVs to Russia. One of the main front companies involved in these activities is Sahara Thunder, which oversees Iran's commercial operations in support of these efforts. Moreover, three Indian companies have also been targeted for their support to Sahara Thunder. These include Zen Shipping, Port India Private Limited, and Sea Art Ship Management Private Limited.
Sahara Thunder, an Iranian military entity, relies heavily on a vast shipping network to sell and transport Iranian goods on behalf of Iran's Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics. These shipments are made to various countries, including China, Russia, and Venezuela, among others. The US Treasury has stated that Sahara Thunder has entered into time-charter contracts with India-based Zen Shipping and Port India Private Limited for the Cook Islands-flagged vessel CHEM. This vessel is managed and operated by UAE-based Safe Seas Ship Management FZE.
The Treasury has also revealed that Iran-based Arsang Safe Trading Co. has been providing ship management services in support of multiple Sahara Thunder-related shipments, including those by the CHEM. Additionally, Asia Marine Crown Agency, based in Iran, has served as the port agent in Bandar Abbas, Iran, supporting several Sahara Thunder shipments. The US Treasury has also identified Sea Art Ship Management Private Limited from India and Trans Gulf Agency LLC from the UAE as companies working together to provide ship management services for Sahara Thunder. Moreover, Coral Trading EST, based in the UAE and Iran, has been purchasing Iranian commodities from Sahara Thunder.
Brian E. Nelson, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, has condemned Iran's Ministry of Defence for destabilizing the region and the world. He has highlighted their support for Russia's involvement in Ukraine, their attacks on Israel, and their proliferation of UAVs and other dangerous military equipment to terrorist groups. Nelson has affirmed that the US, along with its British and Canadian allies, will continue to use all available means to combat those who finance Iran's destabilizing activities.
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