The UK announced a new package of sanctions targeting Russia, including about one hundred tankers from Russia's 'shadow fleet'. According to the government, since the beginning of last year, Russian vessels have transported cargo worth over $24 billion.
As reported by Reuters, it was also announced that the assets of several directors of the oil trading company Coral Energy Group, now known as 2Rivers Group, have been frozen. Coral Energy was rebranded as 2Rivers Group after Safarov, Kerimov, and Madatli fully acquired it in 2024.
The government notice on the imposition of sanctions lists Ahmed Kerimov, Tahir Garaev, Anar Madatli, Talat Safarov, and Etibar Eyub. According to the UK government, they were 'involved in obtaining benefits from or supporting the Russian government' while serving as directors of Coral Energy Group.
Coral Energy was founded by Garaev in 2010 and had offices in Dubai and Singapore. The UK stated that the company 'conducted business in a sector of strategic importance to the Russian government, namely the Russian energy sector'. Sanctions against 2Rivers were imposed in December 2024.