SOUFIA 1

During the oil embargo and price cap policy on russian crude oil/petroleum products, the tanker is involved in the export of russian crude oil/petroleum products, including through STS transfers in the area of the Gulf of Laconikos.
The tanker called at a russian port where the price of russian oil consistently exceeded the price cap of $60 per barrel.
The international non-governmental organization Greenpeace classifies the tanker as part of the shadow fleet of tankers that transport russian oil around the world and threaten the environment.
The vessel is also involved in the transportation of Iranian crude oil/petroleum products. Since the start of russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, more than 100 vessels that previously helped Iran export oil are now helping russia transport russian crude oil/petroleum products.
Many tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil to countries such as China are involved in Venezuelan trade, including tanker IMO 9273052. On June 11, 2022, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi signed a 20-year cooperation agreement to expand ties in the oil and petrochemical industries, as well as in the military and economic spheres. Since then, bilateral ties have begun to develop. Most cargoes are transported by vessels of the sanctioned National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) in both directions. A significant number of vessels flying under foreign (non-Iranian) flags are also involved in this trade.
Since December 17 and 23, 2024, the EU and Switzerland have imposed sanctions on the tanker for transporting crude oil or petroleum products originating in or exported from russia, using irregular shipping practices with a high degree of risk, as specified in Resolution A.1192(33) of the General Assembly of the International Maritime Organization.
On January 10, 2025, the US imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On May 9, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the tanker.
In June 2025, Canada imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since September 18, 2025, Australia has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
Since December 13, 2025, Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 20, 2026, New Zealand imposed sanctions on the vessel.
On February 21, 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on the master of the vessel.