United States authorities have taken control of Bella-1, a Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela, following weeks of pursuit across the Atlantic Ocean.
In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, the US European Command said the vessel was seized for breaching international sanctions imposed by Washington.
The tanker had been sanctioned by the United States in 2024 over allegations that it operated as part of a so-called “shadow fleet” involved in transporting illicit crude oil.
Efforts to intercept the vessel reportedly began last month when US forces attempted to seize it near Venezuelan waters but were unsuccessful after the tanker altered course and fled.
During the pursuit, the ship was seen with a Russian flag painted on its hull, while its crew claimed it was sailing under Russian protection.
Subsequently, the vessel appeared on Russia’s official ship registry under a new name, Marinera, further complicating the situation.
Following the development, Russia lodged a formal diplomatic protest last month, calling on the United States to halt its pursuit of the tanker.
The seizure is the latest move in President Donald Trump’s escalating pressure campaign against Venezuela over oil exports and geopolitical alliances.
Earlier, Washington had demanded that Caracas cut economic ties with Russia, China, Cuba and Iran, while aligning exclusively with the United States on oil production.
According to industry data, Russia holds the world’s seventh-largest proven oil reserves, estimated at about 80 billion barrels as of 2024.
Analysts note that Bella-1’s claimed Russian status could raise legal and diplomatic questions over the seizure, given the broader implications for international maritime law.
