In early 2026, U.S., European, and Indian forces seized or detained 14 shadow fleet vessels smuggling Russian and Venezuelan oil, marking a major enforcement push amid ongoing challenges.

In early 2026, U.S., European, and Indian authorities intensified enforcement against shadow fleets—ships evading sanctions by smuggling oil from Russia and Venezuela—seizing or detaining at least 14 vessels between December 2025 and March 2026, a significant increase from prior years. The U.S. led operations including a Caribbean blockade, while Europe and India intercepted suspected Russian and Iranian tankers. Despite heightened pressure, including Russia’s reflagging of ships and military escorts, shadow fleet activity remains high, with about half of large tankers through the Strait of Hormuz in early March suspected of involvement. The crackdown, driven by concerns over funding war and proliferation, reflects a coordinated global shift toward stronger enforcement, though challenges persist.