Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:50pm on 18 Dec 2025,Thursday International
UK sanctioned Pakistani oil trading tycoon Murtaza Lakhani over alleged involvement in Russia's energy sector amid Ukraine war. British sanctions designated his Mercantile & Maritime Group and UAE-based companies including Tejarinaft FZCO, Fossil Trading FZCO, and Amur II-FZCO, conducting business in sectors strategically important to Russia. Lakhani, who operated from London's Chelsea neighborhood with strong British political connections, declined comment. The move follows EU sanctions targeting Lakhani and an Azeri rival. Washington prepares similar designations targeting Russia's shadow tanker fleet and energy traders. Lakhani built reputation as skilled operator in challenging jurisdictions. The coordinated Western sanctions aim pressuring Moscow toward Ukraine peace agreement. (PC: Money Control)
