Maritime fraud rises as vessels use false flags to evade sanctions

A report by maritime data analysis firm Windward reveals a growing trend of vessels operating under false flags to evade international sanctions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) currently identifies 580 units operating under fraudulent registrations, an increase from 470 at the end of 2025.

Operators are utilizing two primary methods: impersonating non-existent registries from countries without international ship registries, or posing as legitimate operators under false flags. Recent cases have identified Syria and Myanmar as countries being used in this manner, following earlier instances involving Nicaragua and Equatorial Guinea.

The activity is a direct response to increasing sanctions. Windward highlights the Iranian fleet as a primary example, noting that of its 430 tankers, 62% use false markings and 87% are subject to sanctions. Overall, 90% of tankers using fraudulent registries are currently under Western sanctions, frequently utilizing flags from the Netherlands Antilles, Guyana, Guinea, and Madagascar.