The commander of a Russian vessel seized by British forces in the English Channel has made a court appearance facing charges related to violating sanctions. The MV Smyrtos, transporting 98,000 tons of oil, was intercepted by Royal Marine commandos and National Crime Agency officers in a UK-led operation. Ajay Pant, a 38-year-old Indian citizen, stands accused of unlawfully supplying prohibited oil from Russia to a third country in June 2026, breaching Regulation 46Z9B of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.
Pant attended a preliminary hearing at Southampton Magistrates’ Court via video link from Bournemouth police station. He confirmed his personal details and Indian residency. His lawyer, James Diamond, requested the case to be transferred to the Crown Court, to which Pant did not enter a plea. District Judge David Robinson, appearing remotely from Portsmouth, scheduled a plea and trial preparation hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court on July 16, ordering Pant to remain in custody until then.
The court learned that the MV Smyrtos belongs to Russia’s covert fleet of 700 vessels crucial for oil transportation, supporting the country’s activities, including the conflict in Ukraine. The ship is currently detained in the UK, with its crew of 24 individuals from Georgia and India onboard near Weymouth, Dorset.
Prosecutor Joanne Jakymec from the Crown Prosecution Service stated that Pant faces charges following an investigation by the National Crime Agency and the vessel’s seizure in the English Channel. Pant’s counsel emphasized his client’s lack of prior convictions globally, portraying him as an employee following instructions without knowledge of the ship’s destination or cargo. District Judge Robinson, citing the severity of the charges and potential penalties, remanded Pant in custody due to fears of flight risk until the Crown Court hearing.
Pant provided his address in court as Virdeep, Shiv Vihar Colony, Near Power House, Chilkiya, Ramnagar, Nainital, located northeast of Delhi. The case has attracted national and international attention, highlighting the significance of Russia’s covert fleet and the implications of breaching sanctions.
