Fake IDs on the High Seas: How Bad Actors Evade Detection

In this episode of The Decisive, host Kristen Hallam explores the murky world of maritime identity manipulation—a growing threat that's reshaping global shipping, sanctions enforcement, and international trade. Joined by maritime risk and compliance expert Jeremy Domballe, Kristen unpacks how vessels can alter their digital, physical, and legal identities to operate undetected on the world's oceans. From "zombie ships" reusing the identities of long-scrapped vessels to the physical "whitewashing" of ship names, Kristen and Jeremy reveal the methods bad actors use to evade sanctions, access restricted markets, and profit from illicit trade. They also examine the risks this deception poses to financial institutions, insurers, ship owners, and governments—highlighting why trust in vessel identity is foundational to the entire maritime ecosystem. Listeners will gain insight into the latest trends in ID spoofing, including the manipulation of AIS signals, GNSS jamming, and unintentional identity errors that can create confusion across continents. The episode concludes with practical guidance on due diligence, technological countermeasures, and the importance of vigilance for anyone exposed to the maritime domain. Discover why, in today's shipping world, not every vessel is what it seems—and what you can do to stay one step ahead. More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content: Transshipment: Frequently Asked Questions Port Congestion Analysis: Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia main hubs Maritime Chokepoints Tighten, Global Supply Chain Risk Rises For S&P Global subscribers (login required): Middle East war Truck trade: Hybrid routes provide Hormuz alternatives for containers, fertilizers Credits: Host: Kristen Hallam Guest: Jeremy Domballe Produced By: Kristen Hallam Edited By: Marz Marcello Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun