Sanctioning Entities Engaged in Transporting Iranian Oil and Violations of Human Rights – United States Department of State
Today, the United States is taking action to stem the flow of revenue that the Iranian regime uses to support terrorism abroad, as well as to oppress its own people. The Department of State is imposing sanctions on four entities engaged in the Iranian petroleum trade and identifying six vessels as blocked property. Iran’s oil exports are enabled by a network of illicit shipping facilitators in multiple jurisdictions who, through obfuscation and deception, load and transport Iranian oil for sale to buyers in Asia.
The targets below are being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13846 , which authorizes and reimposes certain sanctions with respect to Iran.
BRECALIN HONG KONG CO LTD (Brecalin) is a People’s Republic of China-based company involved in the transport of Iranian petroleum as the commercial manager of PROGRESS V. It also serves as the commercial manager of the vessels SCORPIUS, TASCA, and ELIZA II.
Barbados-flagged PROGRESS V is being identified as blocked property in which BRECALIN HONG KONG CO LTD has an interest.
Barbados-flagged SCORPIUS is being identified as blocked property in which BRECALIN HONG KONG CO LTD has an interest.
Panama-flagged TASCA is being identified as blocked property in which BRECALIN HONG KONG CO LTD has an interest.
Panama-flagged ELIZA II is being identified as blocked property in which BRECALIN HONG KONG CO LTD has an interest.
SHINY SAILS SHIPPING LTD (Shiny Sails) is a Seychelles-based company involved in the transport of Iranian petroleum as the commercial manager of the vessel AVITAL.
Cameroon-flagged AVITAL is being identified as blocked property in which SHINY SAILS SHIPPING LTD has an interest.
GALAXY MANAGEMENT NV (Galaxy Management) is a Suriname-based company involved in the transport of Iranian petroleum as the registered owner and commercial manager of the vessel VIGOR.
Panama-flagged VIGOR is being identified as blocked property in which GALAXY MANAGEMENT NV has an interest.
ATLANTIC NAVIGATION OPC PVT (Atlantic Navigation) is an India-based company involved in the transport of Iranian petroleum as the ISM manager of the vessel VIGOR.
Additionally, the Secretary of State has determined that Ghezel Hesar Prison in Iran meets the criteria under section 106 of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
GHEZEL HESAR PRISON has been determined by the Secretary of State pursuant to section 106 of CAATSA to be responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, namely cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment committed against individuals in Iran who seek to exercise their internationally recognized human right of freedom of expression. Accordingly, Ghezel Hesar Prison is being listed by the Department of State and designated by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) pursuant to section 106 of CAATSA.
SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS
As a result of today’s actions, and in accordance with E.O. 13846 and section 106 of CAATSA, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Additionally, all entities and individuals that have ownership, either directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked.
All transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons are prohibited unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt. These prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person and the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.
The power and integrity of U.S. government sanctions derive not only from the U.S. government’s ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior.
Petitions for removal from the SDN List may be sent to: OFAC.Reconsideration@treasury.gov. Petitioners may also refer to the Department of State’s Delisting Guidance page.
