WASHINGTON
The United States has seized two oil tankers with links to Russia and Venezuela near the Caribbean and Atlantic, in a high-profile enforcement action aimed at disrupting sanctions-evasion networks and illicit oil trading, U.S. officials confirmed on Tuesday.
According to U.S. authorities, the operation involved coordination between the U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, and multiple federal agencies after intelligence indicated the vessels were transporting oil in violation of American sanctions. One of the tankers, a Russian-flagged vessel known as Marinera previously named Bella 1 was intercepted in international waters in the North Atlantic following a weeks-long pursuit that began near Venezuela. A second ship, identified as Sophia, was seized in the Caribbean Sea within the same operational window .
U.S. officials said the tankers were part of a wider “shadow fleet” used to move sanctioned oil by frequently changing names, ownership records, and national flags to avoid detection. Treasury Department records show the Mariners had been sanctioned previously for transporting illicit oil cargo and later re-registered under a Russian flag, a move U.S. officials say was intended to mask its activities .
The seizures were carried out under U.S. sanctions enforcement authorities, with armed boarding teams securing the vessels and their crews without reported injuries. The ships are now under U.S. control, and legal proceedings are expected to determine the final disposition of their cargo and ownership, officials added.
Russia reacted sharply, condemning the seizures as illegal and accusing Washington of violating international maritime law. Russian lawmakers described the action as “piracy,” while Moscow’s Foreign Ministry demanded assurances regarding the safety of the crew members and their prompt return home .
China also voiced concern, criticizing the United States for what it called unilateral enforcement actions in international waters. In contrast, several Western allies backed the operation. The United Kingdom confirmed it had provided intelligence and surveillance support, though British forces did not take part directly in the boardings .
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region and a renewed U.S. push to tighten enforcement against sanctioned oil exports linked to Venezuela, Iran, and Russia. American officials argue that such oil sales help finance destabilizing activities and undermine international sanctions regimes.
Analysts say the seizures mark one of the most assertive U.S. maritime enforcement actions in recent years and signal Washington’s intent to actively pursue vessels involved in sanctions-busting operations, even beyond its territorial waters. Critics warn the move could further escalate geopolitical tensions and provoke retaliatory measures.
For now, U.S. officials maintain the operation was lawful and necessary. “This action sends a clear message,” one senior official said. “Sanctions evasion at sea will not be tolerated.”
As investigations continue, the seizures are expected to intensify diplomatic exchanges between Washington, Moscow, and other global powers, highlighting the growing role of maritime enforcement in modern geopolitical disputes.
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