False Flag

A false flag at sea is a ship displaying the ensign, name, or AIS identity of another state or vessel to disguise its true ownership, origin, or cargo. Flying false colors to deceive is distinct from a vessel’s right under UNCLOS Article 92 to sail under one flag; spoofing AIS data violates SOLAS Chapter V carriage and integrity expectations. Sanctioned-oil and dark-fleet operators use AIS manipulation, identity-swapping, and forged documents to evade OFAC and EU restrictions; the OFAC May 2020 maritime advisory flags AIS disabling and spoofing as deception indicators.