The United States has seized Bella-1, a Russian-flagged oil tanker connected to Venezuela, following a weeks-long pursuit across the Atlantic, the US European Command confirmed on Wednesday. The seizure comes amid ongoing US sanctions enforcement against vessels involved in illicit oil trade.
According to the US, Bella-1 violated sanctions imposed in 2024 for operating within a “shadow fleet” transporting Venezuelan oil outside authorized channels. Last month, the tanker attempted to evade capture near Venezuelan waters but was intercepted after changing course and claiming Russian protection.
During the pursuit, the vessel was reportedly re-registered under the Russian flag as Marinera, prompting Russia to file a diplomatic request demanding the US cease its pursuit.
The seizure forms part of a broader US strategy to pressure Venezuela into limiting economic ties with countries including Russia, China, Cuba, and Iran, and to ensure exclusive US involvement in Venezuelan oil production.
Legal analysts note that claiming Russian nationality may complicate the US’s legal authority over the vessel, raising questions about international maritime law, sovereignty, and sanctions enforcement.
As of 2024, Russia holds the world’s seventh-largest oil reserves, with Bella-1 reportedly carrying significant crude cargo intended for Venezuela. The US plans to continue rigorous monitoring and enforcement of sanctions to curb illicit oil shipments in the Atlantic.
