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Tanker Captain Indicted for Atlantic Chase Evading Authorities

2/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The United States indicted Avtandil Kalandadze, captain of the tanker Bella 1, for evading authorities during an Atlantic chase.
The indictment, dated February 12, accuses him of falsely flying the Guyanese flag and disobeying a Coast Guard order.
The tanker, originally Bella 1, was headed to Venezuela and later claimed Russian protection.
The ship was seized on January 7 as part of a broader effort to control Venezuela's oil industry.

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Story summary

The United States indicted Avtandil Kalandadze, captain of the tanker Bella 1, for evading authorities during an Atlantic chase.
The indictment, dated February 12, accuses him of falsely flying the Guyanese flag and disobeying a Coast Guard order.
The tanker, originally Bella 1, was headed to Venezuela and later claimed Russian protection.
The ship was seized on January 7 as part of a broader effort to control Venezuela's oil industry.