U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger | U.S. Department of Justice
Two Greek shipping companies, Avin International Ltd. and Kriti Ruby Special Maritime Enterprises, have admitted guilt in a U.S. court for violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS), falsifying records, and obstructing justice. The charges relate to incidents during port calls in Jacksonville, Florida, and Newark, New Jersey, where false records were presented to the U.S. Coast Guard by crew members of the Motor Tanker Kriti Ruby.
As part of their plea agreement, United States District Judge Esther Salas has imposed a criminal fine of $3,375,000 on both companies and ordered a $1,250,000 community service payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. They will also be on probation for five years with an environmental compliance plan monitored to ensure adherence.
The violations occurred during May and September 2022 port calls by the Kriti Ruby. The companies confessed to falsifying records and obstructing justice connected with these incidents.
Konstantinos Atsalis, former chief engineer of the Kriti Ruby, received a sentence equivalent to time served and was fined $5,000 after admitting guilt for his role in discharging oily waste into the sea near Sewaren Terminal in New Jersey. Second engineer Sonny Bosito also received a sentence equivalent to time served for concealing pollution through record falsification.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger emphasized the severe impact of maritime pollution: “Maritime pollution is extremely harmful to the environment... Law protecting our seas exist for a reason.”
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim remarked on prioritizing profits over environmental laws: “Prioritizing profits over the environment by discharging oily waste into the sea... is illegal.”
Rear Admiral Michael E. Platt highlighted ongoing efforts: “Today’s plea demonstrates our unwavering commitment... ensuring compliance of critical domestic oil pollution laws.”
Court documents revealed that between May and September 2022, crew members discharged oily waste bypassing required equipment and failed to record these actions in official logs. Equipment used in these operations was hidden from inspectors.
Atsalis admitted directing crew members in these activities while Bosito acknowledged presenting false records during inspections.
The case was investigated by the USCG’s Investigative Service with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Stern and Kathleen P. O’Leary along with other legal professionals.
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