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Greek shipper pleads guilty to transporting sanctioned Iranian oil, agrees to $2.4 million fine

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FILE - In this satellite photo provided by Planet Labs PBC, vessels identified as the Virgo, left, and the Suez Rajan, by the advocacy group United Against Nuclear Iran, are seen in the South China Sea on Feb. 13, 2022. A Greek shipper has pleaded guilty to a charge over it smuggling sanctioned Iranian crude oil and agreed to pay a $2.4 million fine, U.S. federal court papers seen Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023 by The Associated Press show. (Planet Labs PBC via AP, File)
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Overview

  • Greek shipper Empire Navigation pleaded guilty to smuggling Iranian crude oil in violation of U.S. sanctions.
  • The charge relates to the oil tanker Suez Rajan carrying Iranian oil from Khargh Island.
  • Empire Navigation agreed to pay a $2.4 million fine as part of a plea deal to avoid further legal action.
  • The case highlights ongoing Iranian oil exports despite U.S. sanctions, with China a suspected major buyer.
  • Empire Navigation's lawyer cited threats from Iran as rationale for accepting the plea agreement.