EU Sanctions Target Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’ Supporters and Disinformation Networks

The European Union expanded its sanctions against Russia on Monday, targeting 23 individuals and entities linked to the country’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers and those accused of spreading disinformation and conducting cyberattacks against EU member states.

Among the most prominent figures targeted is Murtaza Lakhani, a Pakistani-Canadian oil trader who Bloomberg previously identified as a key facilitator of Russian crude exports despite Western sanctions. Following the EU’s announcement, Lakhani announced he would step down from all managerial roles at companies he owns, while dismissing the EU’s measures as “unfounded.” According to Bloomberg’s 2023 reporting, Lakhani had played a significant role in helping Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin establish a network of companies designed to maintain the flow of Russian oil to global markets despite international sanctions.

The EU also imposed sanctions on four other individuals, including two Azerbaijani nationals, for their roles in facilitating Russian oil exports. Four companies were added to the blacklist as well, with two based in the United Arab Emirates and others located in Vietnam and Russia. These additions highlight the global reach of Russia’s efforts to circumvent Western oil sanctions.

In a separate action targeting disinformation operations, the EU sanctioned John Mark Dougan, a former U.S. Marine and Florida deputy sheriff who fled to Russia in 2016 and later obtained Russian citizenship. European intelligence documents cited by The Washington Post last year claimed Dougan had collaborated with Russia’s GRU military intelligence service to disseminate information aimed at undermining Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign.

The sanctions list includes eleven other Russian nationals allegedly involved with Kremlin-aligned media platforms, think tanks, and a GRU-linked cyber unit accused of conducting attacks on European targets. These measures reflect growing EU concern about Russia’s influence operations across Europe.

Also targeted was Russia’s 142nd Separate Electronic Warfare Battalion, which EU officials accuse of manipulating GPS signals in several European countries—a tactic that can disrupt navigation systems and potentially affect critical infrastructure. The International Russophile Movement was also sanctioned for allegedly amplifying “destabilizing narratives” globally on behalf of the Kremlin.

All individuals and entities placed on the sanctions list now face asset freezes within the European Union. Additionally, EU citizens and companies are prohibited from conducting any business with the designated parties.

This latest round of sanctions represents the EU’s continuing efforts to pressure Russia on multiple fronts—not only targeting its energy sector, which remains a critical source of revenue for Moscow despite Western restrictions, but also addressing the growing threat of disinformation and cyber operations.

The inclusion of entities from the UAE and Vietnam on the sanctions list underscores the challenges Western nations face in enforcing sanctions against Russia, as Moscow increasingly turns to partners in Asia, the Middle East, and elsewhere to circumvent restrictions. The “shadow fleet” of tankers has become a particular concern for Western officials, who have observed Russia building up alternative shipping capabilities to transport oil outside the reach of Western insurance and shipping restrictions.

The sanctions targeting disinformation operations also reflect the EU’s growing focus on non-military threats, particularly as several European nations prepare for elections in which Russian interference has been identified as a potential risk by security agencies. By targeting individuals and organizations involved in these operations, the EU aims to disrupt Russia’s ability to influence public opinion and political processes within member states.