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French Authorities Intercept Tanker Suspected of Sanctions Evasion; Captain Detained

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French Authorities Intercept 'Shadow Fleet' Oil Tanker "The Grinch" in Mediterranean

French authorities have intercepted an oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea, identified as "The Grinch," on suspicion of operating as part of Russia's "shadow fleet" to circumvent international sanctions. The vessel was boarded by the French navy, with support from allied nations, after being suspected of flying a non-legitimate flag. Following the interception, the tanker's Indian captain has been taken into custody, and the vessel is currently moored near Marseille.

The Interception of "The Grinch"

"The Grinch" was intercepted on Thursday morning between Spain and Morocco while reportedly traveling from the Arctic port of Murmansk, Russia. Ship tracking websites indicated the vessel was flying a Comoros flag. French maritime authorities conducted a search of the tanker, confirming irregularities regarding its flag. The French navy carried out the operation, receiving assistance from allies, including the United Kingdom, whose naval forces reportedly monitored the tanker near the Straits of Gibraltar.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the vessel was "subject to international sanctions and suspected of flying a false flag." An investigation has been initiated, focusing on verifying the validity of the tanker's flag. The Marseille prosecutor's office confirmed that the 58-year-old Indian captain of "The Grinch" has been taken into custody. The remainder of the Indian crew remains on board the vessel, which is now moored under guard near Marseille, France.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the vessel was "subject to international sanctions and suspected of flying a false flag."

Understanding the 'Shadow Fleet'

The "shadow fleet" is described as a network of tankers reportedly utilized to evade Western sanctions on Russian oil exports, often through obscured ownership or insurance practices. These sanctions were implemented by many Western nations following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. President Macron linked the activities of the "shadow fleet" to contributing to the financing of military actions in Ukraine and affirmed France's commitment to upholding international law and enforcing sanctions.

President Macron linked the activities of the "shadow fleet" to contributing to the financing of military actions in Ukraine.

International Response

  • French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the action upholds international law and ensures the effective enforcement of sanctions.
  • A UK defense source confirmed Britain's involvement in the operation, with the UK having previously imposed sanctions on 544 Russian shadow fleet vessels.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the action, stating it demonstrated the resolve needed to prevent Russian oil from funding the conflict and suggested the confiscation and sale of oil carried by such tankers.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the action, suggesting the confiscation and sale of oil carried by such tankers.

  • Russia's embassy in Paris indicated it had not been informed of the seizure.

This event follows a previous operation in January where British forces supported a US initiative to seize a Russian-flagged tanker in the Atlantic, also for alleged sanctions violations related to oil transport for Venezuela and Russia.