Taskin Torlak, a 37-year-old Turkish national, was arrested in Miami on November 2 for allegedly conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions. The allegations suggest that Torlak was involved in a scheme to transport oil from Venezuela, benefiting Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA), the state-owned oil and natural gas company of Venezuela.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen stated, "As alleged, the defendant conspired to evade U.S. sanctions imposed on PdVSA, deploying deception to smuggle black-market oil from Venezuela." He emphasized the Justice Department's commitment to holding accountable those who attempt to circumvent sanctions against the Maduro regime.
U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves for the District of Columbia commented on the case: "This defendant allegedly conspired to illegally sell Venezuelan oil, using deceit and trickery to hide the fact that this oil originated from Venezuela." Graves reiterated that U.S. sanctions aim to prevent the current Venezuelan regime from exploiting national resources while it remains in power unlawfully.
Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Washington D.C., remarked on the risks associated with such violations: "These sanctions violations put people at risk at every step - from allegedly tampering with location devices on vessels to supplying money to areas that will continue to engage in activity that threatens the U.S."
Torlak is charged with one count of conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The complaint outlines how he and others allegedly conspired with U.S. financial institutions regarding transactions linked to transporting Venezuelan oil for PdVSA's benefit, which has been designated as a Specially Designated National by OFAC since January 2019.
The alleged scheme began around November 2020 and involved complex methods such as re-naming and re-flagging tankers, covering vessel names with paint or blankets, and disabling electronic tracking devices crucial for maritime safety. Torlak and his co-conspirators reportedly received substantial payments from PdVSA for their services while concealing transaction beneficiaries from U.S. financial institutions.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations Washington D.C., with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeghan Mikorski and Trial Attorneys Sean Heiden and Chantelle Dial of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. Support also came from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
It is important to note that a complaint consists solely of allegations; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.