Topic
evasion
Trade New registries emerge for shadow fleet as Russia becomes dominant flag state
Russia has become the leading flag state for the sanctioned shadow fleet, with over 213 tankers now flying its flag, according to maritime risk firm Windward. New registries in Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea, and Oman are attracting sanctioned vessels as Western enforcement intensifies. Equatorial Guinea's registry shows governance gaps, while Cameroon remains the second-largest flag despite expelling vessels.
Trade U.S. Military Uses Iranian Smuggling Tactic for Gulf Oil Transfers Amid Strait Closure
The U.S. military has conducted scores of ship-to-ship oil transfers off Fujairah and Sohar since early May, employing a shuttling technique previously used by Iran to evade sanctions. The operation, involving at least 92 ships, aims to maintain Gulf energy exports after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, causing the biggest global energy supply disruption in history. An Apache helicopter involved in the mission was shot down by Iran on June 9.
Trade U.S. Intensifies Tariff Fraud Crackdown on Importers
The U.S. government is intensifying its efforts to combat tariff fraud, targeting importers involved in duty evasion. Recent cases highlight the use of the False Claims Act and whistleblower complaints to address misclassification and undervaluation of imports.