US sanctions Indian couple for using Guyana’s flag to shield Iran’s shadow fleet

(Kaieteur News) – The Government of Guyana has welcomed sanctions imposed by the United States Department of the Treasury on Indian national Suniel Kumar Sharma and his spouse, Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, for their involvement in a criminal network accused of perpetrating maritime fraud against Guyana and several other countries.

The India-based couple were sanctioned for allegedly supporting Iran’s shadow fleet through a fraudulent vessel registration network that falsely represented ships as being registered in Guyana and other jurisdictions.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) said it welcomed the sanctions imposed against the couple. “The Government of Guyana remains resolute in its efforts to detect, prevent, and eliminate the fraudulent use of its national flag. This matter has been consistently raised at international and regional maritime and shipping forums as part of Guyana’s sustained advocacy for stronger cooperation and more effective measures to combat fraudulent vessel registration,” MARAD stated.