The MV Smyrtos was intercepted by British forces. The captain of the MV Smyrtos, Ajay Pant, a 38-year-old, was charged with contravening sanctions under Regulation 46Z9B of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. According to the Guardian, Ajay Pant was charged with directly or indirectly supplying or delivering prohibited Russian oil or oil products to a third country by ship in June 2026. The Guardian also reported that the MV Smyrtos was carrying 98,000 tonnes of oil. The Independent reported that Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander issued an order on Monday preventing the MV Smyrtos from departing UK waters, and that the interception of the MV Smyrtos was the first UK-led operation to capture a sanctioned vessel. Ajay Pant is scheduled to appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. Accounts differ on whether Ajay Pant is an Indian national; one source identifies him as a 38-year-old, while another identifies him as a 38-year-old Indian national.