MISHELL

During the period of the G7 and EU oil embargo and the price-cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, the tanker has been involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products to third countries, in particular from russian ports in the Baltic and Black Seas.
The tanker is affiliated with the sanctioned company Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), regarded as one of the leading operators of the russian shadow fleet. At the beginning of 2023, Fractal Marine DMCC was among the three largest carriers of russian crude oil/petroleum products–alongside Radiating World Shipping Services LLC (UAE) and Gatik Ship Management (India)–and played a major role in facilitating russian oil exports worldwide amid sanctions.
On February 22, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on Fractal Marine DMCC for its involvement in servicing the russian energy sector. The company operated a fleet of 28 tankers, acting as an intermediary between shipowners and charterers. Following its designation, Fractal Marine DMCC transferred its fleet to other affiliated companies.
The vessel IMO 9332315 is part of a vast maritime network controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, chief political advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran. Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani leverages his father’s political influence to cultivate high-level corruption within the Iranian regime, enabling the construction and operation of a large fleet of tankers and container vessels. This fleet transports oil and petroleum products from Iran and russia, as well as other cargoes, to global customers, generating tens of billions of dollars in profit.
The Shamkhani maritime network consists of a large fleet of vessels, ship management firms, and front companies that launder billions of dollars in proceeds from global sales of Iranian and russian crude oil and petroleum products–primarily to buyers in China. The network employs extensive concealment measures to obscure its ties to the Shamkhani family, Iran, and russia.
Fractal Marine DMCC (UAE), Wanta Shipping LLC-FZ (UAE), and The Zulu Ships Management and Operation – Sole Proprietorship LLC (UAE), with which the tanker IMO 9332315 is affiliated, are among the entities that have played a key role in managing and operating the Shamkhani network’s tanker fleet.
On July 30, 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on the tanker IMO 9332315.