Email Blunder Exposes $90 Billion Russian Oil Smuggling Ring

Slashdot

by msmash

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A significant IT oversight has uncovered a massive Russian oil smuggling ring estimated to have moved at least $90 billion worth of oil, which is believed to be funding Russia's war in Ukraine. The Financial Times revealed that 48 companies, appearing to operate independently from various locations, were found to be part of a coordinated network. These entities, including several linked to Rosneft, a Kremlin-controlled oil giant, used a single private email server, "mx.phoenixtrading.ltd," to manage their back-office functions. This shared infrastructure allowed them to disguise the true origin and destination of Russian oil, particularly shipments routed through Indian ports. The network was exposed after researchers identified 442 web domains linked to these companies, all sharing the same email server. By cross-referencing domain names with customs records from Russia and India, investigators uncovered a complex web of entities involved in transporting Russian oil. This operation highlights how sophisticated smuggling networks can exploit gaps in global supply chain tracking systems to evade sanctions and continue lucrative trade. From a tech perspective, this story underscores the importance of cybersecurity and due diligence in identifying potential vulnerabilities that criminals or state actors may exploit. The reliance on shared email infrastructure, while convenient for coordination, proved to be a critical oversight. This case also raises questions about the broader implications of interconnected systems and the need for robust monitoring tools to prevent such exploitation. For businesses and governments, it serves as a reminder of the risks associated with inadequate IT oversight and the

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Originally published on Slashdot on 2/20/2026