Officials seize $2.8M in fuel destined for Cuba in 'sanctions-evasion scheme'

Federal authorities have seized nearly $3 million worth of fuel shipments destined for Cuba from two U.S. ports, including Port Everglades, alleging the exports were intended for a sanctioned Cuban company.

Officials with Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the seizure Wednesday, saying they intercepted more than 600,000 gallons of biodiesel fuel that was allegedly being shipped to Empresa Nacional de Tanques (ENETEC), a Cuban entity sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control.

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According to investigators, intelligence gathered in September identified fuel shipments that were being exported from the United States to ENETEC, raising concerns because the company is subject to U.S. sanctions.

Federal agents released video showing the detained shipments at Port Everglades in South Florida and the Port of Houston.

Authorities said nearly 500,000 gallons of fuel were detained at Port Everglades, while another 119,000 gallons were seized in Houston. Combined, the fuel shipments are valued at more than $2.8 million.

HSI Miami Special Agent in Charge Jose Figueroa described the shipments as a coordinated effort to evade U.S. sanctions.

"You have 71 shipments here at Port Everglades, you have 19 shipments at the Port of Houston, you have several companies behind it, over 600,000 gallons of fuel going to this one sanctioned entity, a deliberate attempt to undermine U.S. sanctions," Figueroa said.

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The enforcement action comes as Cuba continues to face fuel shortages. Federal officials said the fuel shipments were suspected of benefiting the Cuban government through a state-controlled entity.

Authorities emphasized that the seizure was not intended to interfere with legitimate humanitarian assistance to Cuba. Officials said there are established legal channels that exporters can use to provide humanitarian aid to the island while complying with U.S. regulations.

Federal agents did not identify the exporter involved in the shipments, and officials declined to say whether investigators believe the exporter knew the fuel was bound for a sanctioned company.

Authorities said those details remain part of an ongoing investigation.

On Friday, the U.S. Coast Guard announced it had interdicted a vessel trafficking fuel to Cuba. Officials tell NBC6 the seizures are not related.