DOJ Sues for Ownership of Oil Tanker That Allegedly Violated Venezuela Sanctions

The federal government sanctioned the ship in 2022 and seized it on the high seas two months ago.

The U.S. Department of Justice in Washington on Jan. 6, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Feb. 27 it is suing for forfeiture of the seized motor tanker Skipper, which allegedly violated American sanctions by carrying Venezuelan and Iranian oil.

The United States seized the vessel in the Caribbean Sea in December 2025, along with its cargo of 1.8 million barrels of crude oil, under a judicially authorized seizure warrant.