New Sanctions Hit Grain Smuggling Vessel Linked to Russia and Houthi Forces

The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign assets control (OFAC) has taken action against several individuals and organizations linked to a maritime smuggling ring that has been moving stolen Ukrainian grain and weaponry from Russia to Yemen. Central to this operation is the vessel AM THESEUS, also known as ZAFAR, which is registered under the Russian flag. This ship reportedly made at least two trips transporting pilfered Ukrainian grain from Crimea to Yemen during the summer and fall of 2024.

The company behind this vessel, Hong Kong-based AM Asia M6 Ltd, along with its captains—Vyacheslav Vladimirovich Vidanov and Yuri Vladimirovich Belyakov—have all been hit with sanctions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pointed out that the Houthis are heavily dependent on Sa’id al-Jamal and his network for essential supplies that fuel their ongoing conflict.

These sanctions come at a time when tensions in the Red Sea are rising sharply. Houthi forces have been launching missiles and drones targeting commercial ships, leading to civilian injuries and notable financial losses for shipping companies.

Interestingly, this smuggling network also includes Afghan businessmen based in Russia—Hushang and Sohrab Ghairat—who have collaborated with Sa’id al-Jamal, a key financial figure within the Houthi movement who has previously faced sanctions for his ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF).

as part of these measures, any assets held by these designated individuals or entities within U.S. jurisdiction are now frozen. Additionally, American citizens are generally barred from engaging in transactions with them or any businesses they own that exceed 50% ownership.

This situation underscores not only the intricate nature of enforcing maritime sanctions but also highlights how commercial shipping continues to be exploited for evading such regulations. The complexities involved serve as a reminder of how global trade can sometimes intersect dangerously with illicit activities.

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