U.S. authorities have filed criminal charges against Avtandil Kalandadze, a Georgian citizen and captain of the oil tanker Marinera, which was detained by the U.S. Coast Guard in early January on suspicion of sanctions violations, according to reporting by The New York Times.

Prosecutors allege that Kalandadze illegally raised the flag of Guyana despite the vessel not being registered there and refused to comply with a Coast Guard order to halt for inspection.

The tanker, originally named Bella-1 and previously sailing under Panama’s flag, had attempted to approach Venezuela despite a maritime blockade announced by President Donald Trump in December. After being pursued by U.S. authorities, the crew reportedly painted a Russian flag on the vessel’s hull and renamed it Marinera. The ship was later listed under that name in Russia’s maritime registry.

The crew included seafarers from multiple countries, among them two Russian nationals who were released in late January, according to Russia’s Foreign Ministry. The ministry said the tanker had been operating under a state flag and in full compliance with international maritime law.

U.S. officials say the vessel is subject to American sanctions. Authorities allege that Bella-1 previously transported Iranian oil for groups linked to support for terrorism. Vice President J.D. Vance said the crew attempted to present the tanker as Russian in order to circumvent sanctions.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said crew members remain under “full investigation” and that criminal charges will be brought against all those found to be involved.