Captain of seized Russian shadow fleet tanker appears in court

Captain Ajay Pant appeared via video linkElizabeth Cook/PA

The captain of a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker intercepted by Royal Marine Commandos in the English Channel has appeared in court after being charged with sanctions offences.

The court heard there was 98,000 tonnes of oil on the vessel seized by British forces on Sunday.

Ajay Pant, a 38-year-old Indian national, appeared via video link at Southampton Magistrates Court.

He is alleged to have been involved in the supply of oil from Russia to a third country in contravention of sanctions imposed on Russia.

The court heard the vessel was sailing under a Cameroon flagUK MOD Crown copyright

There was no indication of plea and Pant was remanded in custody.

He is set to next appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on 16 July.

Prosecutor Varun Chuni said the seized oil tanker was part of a 700-strong shadow fleet used to transport oil around the world.

Another 24 crew members from India and Georgia remain onboard the seized oil tanker which is currently anchored off Weymouth in Dorset.