Sapang Shipping Inc. loses its Mauritius-registered agent (Redbird Corporate Services) due to EU sanctions on both.

Sanctions Announcement: On July 18, 2025, the EU officially sanctioned Sapang Shipping Inc. and Redbird Corporate Services Ltd., both based in Mauritius and tied to the ABC Group and the Ah-Chuen family.

Redbird Corporate Services Ltd, a management company authorised by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius:

• Has ended, on 23 June 2025, its role as Registered Agent of Sapang Shipping Inc., an entity subject to European sanctions announced on 18 July.

In a statement, Redbird said:

• It had informed the Mauritian authorities and the Council of the European Union, stressing its commitment to "transparency, integrity and compliance with international regulatory standards"; and
• Redbird says it is cooperating fully with the authorities to clarify any misunderstandings related to this case.

The company claims to have played no role in Sapang Shipping Inc.'s strategic or operational decisions, limiting its intervention to administrative obligations defined by the Financial Services Act 2007 and the Companies Act 2001.

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The European Union officially sanctioned REDBIRD CORPORATE SERVICES LTD as part of its 18th package of measures targeting entities linked to Russia’s oil trade and war efforts in Ukraine.

Details:

• Sanction Date: July 18, 2025;
• Sanction Basis: The EU Council Decision 025/1478 states that Redbird is “responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine.”;
• Connection to Sapang Shipping Inc.: Redbird acted as the registered agent for Sapang Shipping Inc., which owns the crude oil tanker ARGENT. The vessel was involved in transporting Russian oil using evasive maritime practices; and
• Consequences: Redbird now faces asset freezes and business bans within the EU, which could significantly impact its international operations.

Access the full text of EU Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/1478 via the official EUR-Lex website:

• 🔗 Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/1478 – Full Text (HTML & PDF) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/1478/oj/eng
• This document outlines the EU's amendments to its 2014 sanctions framework, adding 14 individuals and 41 entities—including Redbird Corporate Services Ltd—to the list of those subject to restrictive measures due to their involvement in activities undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty.
• Decision - CFSP - 2025/1478 - EN - EUR-Lex https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/1478/oj/eng

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• Reason for Sanctions:
• The EU cited Sapang Shipping’s crude oil tanker, ARGENT (formerly JAGUAR), for engaging in high-risk maritime practices such as transporting Russian oil, operating without proper insurance, changing flags and management frequently, and sailing without a flag or verified AIS signal.
• Redbird’s Role:
• Redbird acted as the registered agent for Sapang Shipping, handling administrative and compliance functions.
• The EU linked Redbird to Sapang due to this role.
• Redbird’s Response:
• Redbird announced that it had terminated its role as registered agent for Sapang Shipping on June 23, 2025, before the sanctions.
• It stated that it had informed both Mauritian authorities and the EU Council, emphasising its commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance.

To follow up on the above, it has been reported:

• The European Union (EU) targeted two Mauritian companies with fresh sanctions as part of its latest measures against entities supporting Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine;
• The 18th package of EU sanctions, published in the Official Journal of the European Union on July 18, 2025, names Sapang Shipping Inc. and Redbird Corporate Services Ltd, both linked to Mauritius’ prominent ABC Group, among 18 global entities accused of undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty;
• The EU Council’s decision (025/1478) states that the two firms are “responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine.”;
• Both companies are registered at Bank Street, Cybercity, Ebene, and have ties to the Ah-Chuen family, key figures in the ABC conglomerate;
• Redbird Corporate Services Ltd, formerly ABC Global Management Services Ltd, is a licensed corporate and trust provider;
• The EU noted:
• That it acts as the registered agent for Sapang Shipping Inc., the owner and manager of the crude oil tanker ARGENT (formerly JAGUAR, IMO: 9293002).
• According to the EU, the ARGENT:
• Engaged in “high-risk” shipping practices, transporting Russian oil while evading international maritime regulations;
• Operated without proper liability insurance, changed flags and management multiple times, and even sailed without a flag; and
• Failed to verify its Automatic Identification System (AIS).
• The EU observed:
• “The role of the registered agent is to ensure compliance with local regulations and handle the administrative functions of the company.”; and
• “As the registered agent of the company, Redbird Corporate Services Ltd is therefore associated with Sapang Shipping Inc”. 

Sources

• EU Imposes Sanctions on 2 Mauritius Firms Linked to Russian Oil Trade https://newsmoris.com/2025/07/20/eu-imposes-sanctions-on-2-mauritius-firms-linked-to-russian-oil-trade/
• Redbird se désengage de Sapang Shipping depuis juin https://lexpress.mu/s/redbird-se-desengage-de-sapang-shipping-depuis-juin-547623
• https://redbird.mu/  
• https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/1478/oj/eng