Tags: Iran, Syria, Satellite Communications, Maritime Communications
Publication: AlArabiya.net
Publication Date: 12/07/2012

Iran has figured out a way to bypass commerce sanctions imposed by the international community. The country’s oil tankers are sending incorrect satellite signals to global tracking systems to conceal their voyages to Syria.

According to tanker-tracking data monitored by Reuters and specialists, large Iranian vessels sailing in Asian seas have been transmitting signals that steal the identity of other ships, making it look like the same vessel is in two places at once.

It is reported that a minimum of three Iranian oil tankers are using this method to take steal the identity of Syrian-owned ships travelling between Turkey, Libya and Syria. These vessels were registered in Tanzania. However, officials denied any involvement.

Normally, satellite signals that transmit the position, course and speed of a ship are sent automatically from an onboard navigation system with no human input. However, the system can be hacked and programmed to manipulate the data sent to cover for illegal activities.

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