OFAC Warns of Improperly Flagged Iranian Ships
The Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) has recently been operating vessels despite their flags having been revoked, Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control said in a special advisory July 19. It said international sanctions, and IRISL's efforts to evade them, have led to increased vigilance by the maritime industry and prompted an increasing number of countries to revoke or refuse to issue a flag to vessels in which IRISL or its affiliates have an interest.
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As more jurisdictions refuse to flag IRISL vessels, it's increasingly likely that persons will encounter IRISL vessels that are not properly flagged, OFAC said, so maritime authorities should be alert to the presentation by IRISL of potentially fabricated vessel registration and flag credentials.
OFAC said maritime authorities and others should be aware that assisting IRISL or its blocked affiliates to re-flag their vessels may constitute provision of services to a person whose property is blocked and may be considered a basis for designation pursuant to Executive Order 13382. Additional information: OFAC's Compliance Hotline at 1-800-540-6322 or 202-622-2490.