The European Union has imposed sanctions on Mumbai-based Vigor Marine Services LLP as part of its latest measures targeting companies and individuals accused of helping Russia circumvent restrictions linked to its war in Ukraine.
According to the European Council, Vigor Marine Services was sanctioned because two of its vessels were allegedly involved in transporting Russian-origin crude oil or petroleum products while engaging in high-risk shipping practices.
These practices reportedly included inadequate liability insurance, ship-to-ship transfers and manipulation of the vessels’ Automatic Identification System (AIS), which is used to identify and track ships.
The latest sanctions, announced on Thursday, target three individuals and nine entities accused of facilitating the import of restricted goods into Russia or helping Moscow bypass European sanctions.
Trading and Shipping Networks Targeted
The measures also cover Hurus Trade FZE, a Dubai-based trading intermediary in the crude oil sector. The European Council alleged that the company supplied Russian-origin crude oil to India, particularly to Nayara Energy, which is already listed under EU restrictive measures.
Other entities named include Russia-based cargo delivery company Movers Group LLC and its general director, Dmitry Chudovsky. The EU also targeted LLC DT Inier, a Russian customs broker and logistics operator, and its majority shareholder, Ivanna Savchuk.
Two Türkiye-based trading companies, Begler Tekstil Insaat Elektronik ve Dis Ticaret Ltd and Medse Group LLC, were also sanctioned over alleged involvement in networks used to circumvent restrictions.
United Stream LLC, a Russian financial services company, and its founder, Svetlana Gumenyuk, were included for allegedly facilitating imports of EU goods subject to sanctions.
EU Steps Up Pressure on Russia
Vigor Marine Services, UAE-based DIS Logistics DMCC and Seychelles-based Shiva Shipping Ltd were also identified as part of what the European Council described as the shadow fleet ecosystem used in oil-related sanctions circumvention.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the measures were intended to make it harder and more expensive for Russia to continue its war against Ukraine. She said previous sanctions had significantly restricted Russia’s access to resources.
Under the EU sanctions regime, listed individuals and entities face asset freezes. Providing funds or economic resources to them, directly or indirectly, is prohibited. Individuals listed under the measures are also subject to travel bans to the European Union.
The latest action highlights the EU’s continued efforts to target shipping operators, financial intermediaries and trading networks suspected of helping Russia maintain its energy exports and obtain restricted goods. The allegations against the named entities are those stated by the European Council.
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