U.S. Interdicts Sanctioned Oil Tanker in Intensifying Campaign Against Venezuela's 'Shadow Fleet'

In the latest move against Venezuela's illicit oil trade, the U.S. has boarded and seized the sanctioned oil tanker VERONICA III in the Indian Ocean, according to a report from gCaptain. This marks the ninth vessel that has been seized or interdicted as part of an intensifying U.S. campaign to disrupt the 'shadow fleet' - a network of ships and companies that have been helping Venezuela export its oil in defiance of American sanctions. The VERONICA III, which is owned by a Russian businessman, was targeted for its role in transporting Venezuelan crude oil. The U.S. has accused Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PDVSA, of exploiting the shadow fleet to export its oil and evade the American sanctions that have crippled the country's oil industry. 'The United States will continue to target and expose those who enable the former Maduro regime's exploitation of Venezuela's natural resources,' said the U.S. Department of the Treasury in a statement. This latest interdiction comes amid growing concerns over Venezuela's ability to export its oil and the potential impact on global energy markets. The country's oil production has plummeted in recent years due to the sanctions, economic crisis, and lack of investment in its oil infrastructure. The maritime industry has found itself at the center of this geopolitical tug-of-war, with shipping companies, tanker owners, and others facing the risk of being caught up in the sanctions if they do business with Venezuela. The U.S. has warned that it will continue to aggressively target the shadow fleet and anyone assisting in the illicit trade of Venezuelan oil.