U.S. Naval Forces Central Command
U.S. FIFTH Fleet
Office of Public Affairs
FPO AE 09501-6008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2000
Evidence Supports Conclusion Volgoneft-147
Smuggled Illegal Iraqi Oil
Evidence has been gathered and analyzed that conclusively supports the determination that Volgoneft-147 smuggled illegal Iraqi oil in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
High resolution, capillary gas analysis of oil specimens establish the cargo as being of Iraqi origin. Documents and data from Volgeneft-147 also support the conclusion of the oil analysis, including documents found in the stateroom of the first officer, an Iraqi national. Additionally, the ship's navigation computer and handwritten navigational chart markings established a clear transit from Iraq, through Iranian Territorial waters, to the United Arab Emirates.
Volgoneft-147 was intercepted and boarded by MIF ships on the evening of February 2, 2000, on suspicion that it was carrying illegal Iraqi oil. The Omani Government subsequently agreed to accept custody of Volgoneft-147 for UN sanctions enforcement action. The ship will be handled in accordance with the laws and customs of Oman. The crew will be returned to their country and the cargo and ship may be sold by the host nation.
2/6/00 6:38:07 PM
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