New York: The United States has imposed sanctions on two Indian nationals for their alleged involvement in a Houthi network that transports Iranian oil to fund militant activities. These actions reportedly include disrupting maritime traffic in the Red Sea and attacking Israel. The individuals targeted are linked to the Sharjah-based Indo Gulf Ship Management (IGSM) company. The US Treasury Department identified Rahul Rattanlal Warikoo, serving as Managing Director, and Dipankar Mohan Keot, acting as Technical Manager, as the key figures in this network.
As part of the sanctions, all property owned by these individuals in the United States, as well as assets in which they hold more than a 50 percent interest, are frozen. According to Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the US State Department, the individuals have ties to Sa’id al-Jamal, a key financial operative for the Houthis, who is allegedly backed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force.
The US Treasury further reported that Indo Gulf Ship Management operated a vessel used by the al-Jamal network to transport millions of dollars worth of Iranian fuel oil. Warikoo has previously held positions with US-sanctioned companies involved in transporting Iranian oil, while Keot oversees vessel operations and budgeting for IGSM.
IGSM, which manages the Barbados-flagged vessel Kukki, is believed to be deeply involved in these activities. Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, emphasized the Houthis’ reliance on al-Jamal’s international network to fund their operations through Iranian oil sales. The Houthis, a Yemeni militia group, have attacked maritime trade routes in the Red Sea, threatening global shipping and launching missile strikes on Israel.
In addition, the US had recently sanctioned another Indian company, Gabbaro Ship Services Private Ltd, for its role in transporting Iranian oil. The US has been intensifying efforts to dismantle the so-called “Ghost Fleet” that facilitates Iran’s illicit oil trade worldwide, according to National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.
