The linked (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.) document describes the UK prosecution of Captain Ajay Pant, master of the tanker Smyrtos, following the vessel’s seizure over alleged sanctions breaches linked to Russia’s shadow fleet. Captain Pant has been refused bail and remains in custody ahead of a December trial, with the case expected to test whether individual seafarers can be held criminally liable alongside sanctions enforcement against shadow fleet operations. The article states that the UK has taken a different approach from other European authorities by bringing criminal charges against the ship’s master rather than focusing solely on vessel owners. It also highlights concerns within the maritime industry about the balance between corporate responsibility and individual criminal liability, while noting the personal impact on Captain Pant and his family as the legal process continues. The document concludes that the case is becoming a significant test of how far states are prepared to use criminal law against individual seafarers in pursuit of broader geopolitical objectives.