Moscow, January 8: The United States has announced its intention to file criminal charges against the crew of the Russian tanker Marinerra, which was recently seized. In response, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying it is closely monitoring reports of American personnel boarding the vessel.
The ministry urged the US to treat the Russian citizens on board the tanker humanely, respect their rights fully, and ensure their swift return home.
Meanwhile, US Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on a social network that US officials will press criminal charges against the crew members of the seized Marinerra tanker, also known as Bella-1.
According to Bondi, the crew made significant efforts to save the tanker, which was allegedly transporting oil banned from Venezuela and Iran.
She added that due to the crew’s failure to comply with Coast Guard orders, a full investigation is underway, and all responsible individuals will face criminal prosecution.
The Attorney General further stated that the Department of Justice is monitoring several other vessels for similar violations. Any individual on a ship who disobeys orders from the Coast Guard or other federal authorities will be investigated and prosecuted under the law.
Earlier, White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt said in a press briefing that the US may bring the Marinerra crew to the United States for potential judicial proceedings related to alleged violations of federal law.
On January 7, the US seized two tankers suspected of carrying oil purchased from Venezuela. One was the Russian-flagged Marinerra, and the other was the Panama-flagged vessel named Sophia.
According to the Russian news agency TASS, Russia’s Transport Ministry stated that under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, no country has the right to use force against vessels registered under another nation’s jurisdiction.
The US intercepted the Russian tanker Marinerra in the North Atlantic and the other vessel in the Caribbean Sea, with both seizures occurring within hours of each other.
– Daily Kiran
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