RGP Arrest Two More Officers From Grace 1
The RGP has confirmed the arrest of the two second mates of the Panama flagged super tanker Grace I that was detained by local law enforcement agencies off Europa Point last week, in relation to alleged breaches of EU economic sanctions against Syria.
The operation was conducted by the RGP, GDP, Customs and Port Authority with the support of British Royal Marines.
The arrest of the two officers, who are now held in custody at the RGP headquarters in New Mole House assisting police with their inquiries, follows the detention yesterday of the vessel’s captain and chief officer, also in connection with the same investigation of the suspected export of crude oil to the Banyas refinery in Syria, in contravention of an EU ban against the Middle Eastern country.
All four men are Indian nationals and they have been granted full legal assistance, telephone contact with their families and access to their consular authorities.
The investigation continues and the Grace 1 remains detained under the provisions of the Sanctions Regulations 2019 which are born out of the Sanctions Act 2019.
