The trial of the captain of a Russian vessel captured by British forces in the English Channel for violating sanctions began in court. The ship, MV Smyrtos, carrying 98,000 tons of oil, was intercepted by Royal Marine commandos and National Crime Agency officers in the first UK-led operation to seize a sanctioned ship.
Ajay Pant, a 38-year-old Indian national, faced charges related to supplying prohibited oil from Russia to another country in June 2026, contravening Regulation 46Z9B of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. Pant appeared in Southampton Magistrates’ Court via video link from Bournemouth police station. He confirmed his identity and address in India while his solicitor requested the case be transferred to the Crown Court.
Following the preliminary hearing, District Judge David Robinson scheduled a plea and trial preparation hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court on July 16 and ordered Pant to remain in custody until then. The court learned that the MV Smyrtos, part of Russia’s clandestine fleet, was prohibited from leaving the UK, with the crew members, hailing from Georgia and India, still on board the vessel anchored off Weymouth in Dorset.
The Crown Prosecution Service decided to prosecute Pant for breaching Russian sanctions after an investigation by the National Crime Agency and the seizure of the MV Smyrtos. The vessel’s involvement in Russia’s covert fleet, responsible for transporting a significant portion of the country’s oil and supporting its actions in Ukraine, was highlighted during the proceedings.
Pant’s defense emphasized his lack of prior convictions and his role as an employee following orders. Despite the defense’s arguments, Judge Robinson deemed the nature and gravity of the charges sufficient grounds for Pant’s remand in custody until the next court appearance. Pant provided his address in court as being in a location near Delhi, India.
The case underscores the complexities of international sanctions enforcement and the significant role of shadow fleets in supporting national interests.