El Paso Expat Tracks Illicit Oil Tankers from Singapore Rooftop

Remy Osman, a British expat living in Singapore, has gained notoriety for documenting the movements of shadow fleets—ships transporting sanctioned oil from countries like Russia and Iran. Operating from his rooftop, Osman uses ship tracking apps to identify these vessels, which have surged in number due to Western sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Singapore Strait, a major shipping route, has become a hotspot for these clandestine operations, with estimates suggesting that around 3,300 shadow vessels are currently in operation. With over $100 billion worth of crude oil transported through these fleets in 2025 alone, Osman's work highlights a significant aspect of global oil trade and the ongoing efforts by the U.S. to enforce sanctions against illicit oil transport.

Key Details: • Osman began tracking ships during the Covid-19 pandemic and shifted focus to shadow vessels a year ago. • The U.S. has seized several sanctioned vessels, including the Bella 1, which was pursued for 18 days. • The Singapore Strait sees about 100,000 ships annually, making it a critical area for monitoring illicit oil transport.