In a notable development amidst heightened international scrutiny of maritime activities related to sanctions, French authorities have intercepted a tanker linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.” This operation, occurring in the scenic western Mediterranean, underscores the growing vigilance of European nations in enforcing sanctions against perceived violations, particularly in light of Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The French navy has detained a tanker, suspected of being part of Russia’s sanctions-busting “shadow fleet,” and has redirected it to the port of Marseille-Fos for further investigation. The Marseille prosecutors, who specialize in maritime law, confirmed the ship’s diversion, although they did not disclose its precise destination within the port. According to a source familiar with the matter, the tanker is slated to arrive in Marseille-Fos on Saturday morning.
The vessel, known as the ‘Grinch,’ was intercepted by French naval forces on Thursday while navigating the high seas in the western Mediterranean, positioned between the southern coast of Spain and the northern Moroccan coast. This operation was reportedly supported by the naval forces of other nations, including the United Kingdom, showcasing the collaborative efforts in monitoring maritime activities.
Video footage released by the French military illustrated the operation, which involved soldiers descending from a helicopter onto the tanker’s deck. The boarding operation was executed with the assistance of a naval boat and two helicopters. The Grinch, sailing under a Comoros flag, had departed from the Russian Arctic port of Murmansk in early January and is believed to have engaged in operations under a false flag, representing a clandestine fleet of vessels that facilitates Russia’s oil exports despite international sanctions arising from its actions in Ukraine.
Reports indicate that the Grinch is on the list of sanctioned entities in the United Kingdom, while another ship with the same registration number, named “Carl,” faces sanctions from the United States and the European Union. Marseille prosecutors are investigating the ship’s alleged failure to confirm its nationality, which has come under scrutiny in the context of ongoing sanctions against Russia.
The European Union has enacted a total of 19 sanctions packages aimed at countering Russian aggression; however, Moscow has successfully adapted to many of these measures and continues to supply millions of barrels of oil to countries such as India and China, often at discounted rates. This oil trade is crucial for financing Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine and is predominantly carried through an intricate network of vessels circumventing Western maritime regulations.
Earlier in October, French authorities detained another Russian-linked tanker, the Boracay, off the west coast of France. The vessel was eventually released after a brief detention, but its Chinese captain now faces trial in France for the crew’s alleged non-cooperation with investigators.
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