An Amnesty International investigation, published on January 2026, revealed that Myanmar's constant supply of jet fuel, used in airstrikes against civilians, is based on its own "ghost ships". According to the report, the country is using the same tactics Russia, Iran and China use for smuggling oil and avoiding sanctions, by using a network of oil tankers, shell companies and covert logistical operations. [1] [2] [3] [4]
The military junta that came to power after the 2021 coup in Myanmar, escalated its airstrike targeting ethnic armed groups and the pro democracy forces, that caused severe loss of civilians lives. [1] International sanctions were imposed on Myanmar, to cut short its fuel supply for it's air force, to limit its options to conduct airstrikes, which led to its dependence on ghost ships. The Amnesty investigation claims that analysis of trade and shipping data, show the country has imported more than 109,000 metric tons of jet fuel in 2025. This represents an increase of 69% in compresence to 2024. [1] [2]
Ships usually broadcast their location for tracking services, disabling the AIS transponder in known as a way to avoid detection. [3] [5]
The ships broadcast a false location using a method known as Spoofing. [3] [6] [5]
Vessel name changes and repainting
Ships will change their names, colors, flags and even ownership to hide their identity. [5]
Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfers
Ship will often transfer oil from one to another in international open waters, to avoid monitoring. [3] [6]
These operational methods, make it hard on authorities to detect and hold investigations, related to sanctions enforcement agencies. [3] [6]
Amnesty International's investigation identified a large number of ships, that have taken part in the fuel smuggling operations.
The source of the fuel on these ships has not been confirmed. However, reviews of satellite images, port records, and past shipping routes suggest there may be connections to Iranian fuel suppliers. [1] [7]
Amnesty international as well as several other human rights organizations revealed that the use of the ghost ships, is proof that Myanmar is avoiding international sanctions, designed to restrict its use of jet fuel. [1] They have called upon the international community to strengthen enforcement of sanctions and pressure states and companies involved in these supply chains to cease participation. [8] [9] [10]