U.S. sanctions two Mumbai companies and five Indian nationals

U.S. authorities have sanctioned two Mumbai companies and five Indian nationals associated with them. The U.S. alleges that they helped facilitate trade in petroleum products from Iran.

The October 8 action targets SSPL Solutions Private Limited and Samudra Marine Services Private Limited. The individuals include Dhwani Vora and Nisarg Vora, associated with SSPL Solutions, and Ketan Kochikar, Bhupendrasingh Sahu and Harishyam Hariharan Chundakattil, associated with Samudra Marine Services. The Hindu reported the action, and OFAC published the additions to its sanctions list.

The measures form part of Operation Economic Outcast. The State Department announced sanctions on 10 entities, six individuals and five vessels over alleged links to trade in Iranian petroleum, petroleum products and petrochemicals. A separate Treasury action targeted 17 entities and shadow fleet vessels.

OFAC issued a limited authorization to wind down transactions involving Samudra Marine Services until October 23. It covers transactions needed to exit existing activities and does not provide general permission to continue trading. The allegations underlying the sanctions are the U.S. authorities' position, rather than a court finding that the individuals are guilty.