British authorities have arrested an Indian national following the seizure of a Russian-linked oil tanker in the English Channel, marking the first operation of its kind carried out by the United Kingdom’s armed forces against a vessel accused of violating sanctions.
The arrest was made by officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) after a dramatic operation involving Royal Marine Commandos, who boarded the tanker, named Smyrtos, using a helicopter. The vessel is currently anchored off the Dorset coast, while its remaining 24 crew members, comprising Indian and Georgian nationals, remain on board.
The operation forms part of the UK’s efforts to enforce sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. British authorities allege that the tanker is connected to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” — a network of vessels used to transport Russian oil despite international sanctions. Under UK regulations, sanctioned ships are prohibited from entering British ports, and UK-based companies are barred from providing financial, insurance, or brokerage services to such vessels.
According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the tanker had been sanctioned since July 2025 and previously operated under the name Myrtos. The vessel reportedly departed from Russia’s Ust-Luga oil terminal near St. Petersburg on June 5 before entering the English Channel. Authorities said the interception took place in international waters and complied fully with domestic and international law.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the operation as a significant step in disrupting Russia’s ability to finance its war efforts in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the action, thanking the UK for targeting Russia’s oil transport network.
The operation was reportedly planned over several weeks and conducted in close coordination with France. The development highlights growing international efforts to crack down on sanctions evasion and restrict the flow of revenue supporting Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.
