Guyana Denies Ownership of Tanker Detained in Venezuela, Exposing Elaborate False Flag Operation
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) of Guyana has vehemently denied any connection to the oil tanker "Four Plus" recently detained by Venezuelan authorities for allegedly trespassing in their territorial waters. This incident, which unfolded on January 12th near Margarita Island, has brought to light a complex web of maritime deception, raising concerns about international shipping regulations and the vulnerability of flags of convenience. The Venezuelan government, citing unauthorized navigation within its maritime borders, intercepted the tanker and initiated an investigation. This latest incident underscores the growing problem of fraudulent vessel registrations and the potential exploitation of these schemes for illicit activities.
The 45,000-deadweight tonne "Four Plus," reportedly crewed by Chinese nationals, was identified as bearing a Guyanese flag at the time of its detention. However, MARAD swiftly issued a public statement asserting that the vessel was not registered in Guyana and therefore had no legitimate claim to Guyanese nationality. This denial reinforces Guyana’s commitment to a "closed Ships’ Registry," which restricts registration to vessels owned by Guyanese citizens, residents, or members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). This stringent policy aims to prevent the misuse of the Guyanese flag and uphold the country’s reputation in the international maritime community. The incident has thrown into sharp relief the ongoing challenges faced by nations in combating illicit maritime activities.
The "Four Plus" incident is not an isolated case for Guyana, as it marks the second time in recent weeks the nation has been forced to address the fraudulent use of its flag. Just weeks prior, five tankers, purportedly registered in Guyana, were sanctioned by the United States government for alleged connections to a Syrian company linked to Iran and Venezuela. In that instance too, Guyana denied any legal registration of the vessels within its registry, further highlighting the vulnerability of smaller nations to such maritime fraud. These recurring incidents raise serious questions about the efficacy of international maritime regulations and the mechanisms in place to prevent such deceptive practices.
The history of the "Four Plus" adds another layer of intrigue to this unfolding saga. According to maritime databases, the vessel was acquired by a Chinese company, Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co., in 2018. Prior to its detention, the tanker’s AIS signal last placed it at Point Lisas Anchorage in Trinidad & Tobago on January 5th, having departed Ningbo, China on November 22nd. Curiously, the vessel’s class is listed as unknown, and its last known flagged registry was Hong Kong in 2018. A 2024 inspection conducted in China uncovered safety deficiencies, including fire prevention issues and structural problems with railings and walkways, adding further concern to the vessel’s seaworthiness and operational integrity. The lack of transparency surrounding the vessel’s ownership and classification raises red flags regarding potential regulatory loopholes and the need for stronger international oversight.
Guyana’s government has taken proactive steps to combat maritime fraud, severing ties with a self-proclaimed "International Maritime Safety Agency of Guyana" three years ago. The government accused the entity of fraudulent activities and illicit conduct, highlighting its commitment to addressing these issues. Further strengthening their resolve, Guyana has engaged with Interpol and brought these criminal activities to the attention of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), demonstrating their dedication to international cooperation and the fight against maritime crime. By working with international bodies, Guyana seeks to prevent further exploitation of its flag and protect its maritime interests.
This latest incident involving the "Four Plus" serves as astark reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining maritime security and the importance of international cooperation in combating fraudulent practices. The use of false flags not only undermines national sovereignty but also poses a significant threat to maritime safety and security, potentially facilitating illicit activities like smuggling, sanctions evasion, and even terrorism. The Venezuelan authorities continue their investigation into the activities of the "Four Plus," and their findings could shed more light on the motives behind this elaborate deception and the potential implications for regional stability. The incident serves as a call to action for stronger international cooperation and more robust regulatory frameworks to prevent the exploitation of flags of convenience and maintain the integrity of the global maritime system. The implications of this incident extend beyond the immediate parties involved, raising broader questions about the vulnerability of the international maritime system and the need for collective action to address these growing concerns. As investigations continue, the "Four Plus" incident promises to reveal more about the murky world of maritime fraud and the concerted efforts required to combat it.