The UK charges an Indian captain, Ajay Pant, after British forces seize a Russian-linked “shadow fleet” tanker in the English Channel. Multiple outlets report that National Crime Agency officers arrest Pant and prosecutors charge him with breaching sanctions offences related to the supply or delivery of prohibited Russian oil or oil products. The case centres on the tanker Smyrtos, which is described as belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet and carrying about 98,000 tonnes of oil. British armed forces intercept the vessel off the southern English coast and board it during a UK-led operation involving commandos and naval assets. The ship is reported to be stateless, and it was travelling from Russia to India at the time of the interception. Pant appears in court and is remanded into custody, according to one report. Family members in Uttarakhand say they seek his safe return and appeal to the Indian government for help. Authorities confirm consular access is granted and that efforts to coordinate his situation are under way. The tanker remains detained while investigations continue into alleged Russian oil exports that may violate sanctions.