Politics
EU Imposes Sanctions on 2 Mauritius Firms Linked to Russian Oil Trade
The European Union (EU) has targeted two Mauritian companies with fresh sanctions as part of its latest measures against entities supporting Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. The 18th package of EU sanctions, published in the Official Journal of the European Union on July 18, 2025, names Sapang Shipping Inc and Redbird Corporate Services Ltd, both linked to Mauritius’ prominent ABC Group, among 18 global entities accused of undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The EU Council’s decision (025/1478) states that the two firms are “responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine.”
Both companies are registered at Bank Street, Cybercity, Ebene, and have ties to the Ah-Chuen family, key figures in the ABC conglomerate.
Redbird Corporate Services Ltd, formerly ABC Global Management Services Ltd, is a licensed corporate and trust provider. The EU noted that it acts as the registered agent for Sapang Shipping Inc, the owner and manager of the crude oil tanker ARGENT (formerly JAGUAR, IMO: 9293002).
“The role of the registered agent is to ensure compliance with local regulations and handle the administrative functions of the company,” it said.
But according to the EU, the ARGENT has engaged in “high-risk” shipping practices, transporting Russian oil while evading international maritime regulations.
The EU also noted that the ARGENT has operated without proper liability insurance, changed flags and management multiple times, and even sailed without a flag.
The tanker has also failed to verify its Automatic Identification System (AIS).
“As the registered agent of the company, Redbird Corporate Services Ltd is therefore associated with Sapang Shipping Inc”, the EU said.
Screenshot of the EU Council Decision 025/1478
The EU’s latest sanctions also target 16 other companies across multiple jurisdictions, including:
- China: Bellatrix Energy, Zhu Jiang Shipmanagement, Wuhan Global Sensor Technology
- India: Intershipping Services Hub Private, Nayara Energy
- Singapore: 2Rivers PTE
- Azerbaijan: Aqua Fleet Management
- UAE: Twister Shipmanagement, Admiral Group, Milavous Group, among others
The inclusion of Redbird and Sapang marks a rare instance of Mauritian entities facing EU sanctions.
Sanctioned Companies
With these measures, the EU aims to disrupt Russia’s oil revenue streams, a key lifeline for its war economy. The sanctioned companies now risk asset freezes and business bans within the EU, dealing a blow to their international operations.
The Mauritian authorities have yet to comment, but the sanctions could prompt tighter oversight of Financial Services Commission (FSC)-licensed entities like Redbird.
