EU Escalates Sanctions Against Russias Oil Export Network and Disinformation Operatives

On Monday, the European Union introduced a new set of sanctions against 23 individuals and entities associated with Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers. These sanctions also target individuals accused of disseminating disinformation and executing cyberattacks against EU member nations.

One of the key figures on the list is Murtaza Lakhani, a Pakistani-Canadian oil trader who Bloomberg identifies as a significant player in facilitating Russian oil exports, despite existing Western sanctions.

In response, Lakhani announced on Monday that he would resign from all management positions at his companies, labeling the EU’s actions as “baseless.”

According to a 2023 report by Bloomberg, he assisted Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin in creating a network of firms to maintain the flow of Russian oil to international markets.

Additionally, four other individuals, including two nationals from Azerbaijan, were sanctioned due to their involvement with companies that aid Russian oil exports. The EU also expanded its blacklist to include four companies, with two located in the United Arab Emirates and the others situated in Vietnam and Russia.

In a separate sanctions package, the EU focused on individuals alleged to have participated in disinformation campaigns and cyber operations. Among them is John Mark Dougan, a former U.S. Marine and deputy sheriff from Florida who escaped to Russia in 2016 and later acquired Russian citizenship.

European intelligence documents referenced by The Washington Post revealed that Dougan had collaborated with Russia’s GRU military intelligence to disseminate information intended to undermine former Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign last year.

Additionally, eleven other Russian nationals were sanctioned for their suspected involvement with Kremlin-affiliated media outlets, think tanks, or a GRU-connected cyber unit accused of targeting European entities.

The EU also sanctioned Russia’s 142nd Separate Electronic Warfare Battalion, which it claimed was involved in manipulating GPS signals across various European nations.

Furthermore, the sanctions list includes the International Russophile Movement, which EU officials stated has promoted “destabilizing narratives” on behalf of the Kremlin worldwide.

Those affected by these sanctions will experience asset freezes within the European Union, and EU citizens and businesses are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with them.