World Business Report “Piracy” in the Caribbean?
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Dec 11, 2025 Vanessa Neumann, a former Venezuelan diplomat, discusses the US seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela, asserting that it's seen as piracy by Caracas. She explains the claims that the tanker was carrying sanctioned oil destined for Iran. Neumann anticipates more US enforcement targeting Maduro's resources, though she believes this will have a minimal impact on global oil prices. The conversation also touches on the growing legal battle in the Philippines where typhoon survivors are suing Shell for its emissions contributing to disaster risks.
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Sanctions Enforced Via Maritime Seizures
- The US seizure of a sanctioned tanker near Venezuela was framed as sanctions enforcement rather than piracy by US officials.
- Vanessa Neumann says it targets illicit revenue streams that finance Maduro's regime and its international protectors.
Cutting Income To Debilitate A Regime
- Targeting oil, gold and narcotics aims to isolate and debilitate Maduro by cutting illicit income.
- Neumann likens the strategy to removing Jenga pieces to make the regime's protections collapse.
Seizure Unlikely To Move Global Oil Prices
- Neumann expects little impact on global oil prices because Venezuelan production is tiny relative to global supply.
- She predicts only brief market jitters rather than sustained price changes.