Archive · 18 Jul 2026
UK Denies Bail to Indian Captain in Russian Oil Case
An Indian captain named Ajay Pant was arrested in the UK.
He is accused of breaking UK rules by transporting Russian oil on his ship.
The court said he can't leave jail because they think he might run away.
His ship was stopped in the English Channel.
The oil was supposed to go to another country.
If he is found guilty, he could go to jail for up to 10 years.
His trial will start in December.
UK court denies bail to Indian captain Ajay Pant over alleged breach of British sanctions.
Pant, 38, is accused of transporting 98,000 tonnes of restricted Russian oil.
Court remanded him in custody due to potential flight risk; trial set for December 15.
MV Smyrtos, the ship he commanded, was intercepted in the English Channel on June 14.
UK authorities allege the ship is part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' used to bypass sanctions.
- Who
- Ajay Pant, an Indian merchant navy captain
- What
- Denial of bail in a UK court for alleged breach of British sanctions
- When
- Court appearance on Thursday, trial scheduled for December 15
- Where
- UK court, MV Smyrtos intercepted in the English Channel
- Why
- Accusations of transporting restricted Russian oil in breach of UK sanctions
- Name
- Ajay Pant
- Age
- 38
- Nationality
- Indian
- Ship Name
- MV Smyrtos
- Ship Flag
- Cameroon
- Ship Owner
- Hong Kong-based company
- Cargo
- 98,000 tonnes of Russian oil
- Interception Date
- June 14
- Trial Date
- December 15
- Maximum Sentence
- 10 years