French Prosecutor Blocks Suspected ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tanker, Releases Captain
A French prosecutor ordered the immobilization of an oil tanker suspected of being part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” to skirt Western sanctions, according to a statement released on Monday. The ship’s captain, who had been held in police custody for two days, was subsequently released.
The Marseille prosecutor’s office said the ship was intercepted off Sicily on June 23 and suspected of sailing under a false flag. The oil tanker, which was carrying a crew of 25, including the captain, was anchored in the Gulf of Fos-sur-Mer, off Marseille.
French Authorities Suspect False Flag Operation
French authorities have been monitoring the ship’s activities, suspecting it was part of Russia’s shadow fleet, old vessels that Moscow has relied on to ship oil and gas and skirt Western sanctions. This is not the first time France has intercepted a tanker suspected of being part of this fleet; at least five such tankers have been intercepted by French authorities.
International Efforts to Combat Shadow Fleet
The move by French authorities comes days after a similar operation was conducted by Britain, demonstrating European determination to combat Russia’s shadow fleet. The international community has been working together to address the issue, with many countries imposing sanctions on Russia in response to its actions.
Russian Reactions
Moscow has called such actions illegal and has criticized Western nations for interfering in its internal affairs. However, the international community remains committed to combating the shadow fleet and ensuring that Russia complies with international sanctions.
In a post on Instagram last week, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “This new action against the shadow fleet, conducted days after a similar operation by Britain, shows Europeans’ determination.”
Original Article: French prosecutor blocks suspected ‘shadow fleet’ tanker, releases captain — Wtvbam