France Plans to Double Penalties for Vessels Linked to Russia’s Shadow Fleet
France plans to double prison sentences and fines for owners and operators of vessels sailing under false flags or refusing to comply with stop orders, according to a draft update to the country’s military planning law reviewed by France24. The tougher penalties are aimed at strengthening the fight against Russia‘s shadow fleet, a source familiar with the matter said.
The proposed changes would see offenders punished with up to two years in prison and a fine of €300,000, doubling current penalties. The sanctions would apply to anyone exercising control or management authority over a vessel’s operation, according to the draft law.
Increased Enforcement Efforts
Since September, France has detained three vessels suspected of belonging to Russia‘s shadow fleet. This increased enforcement comes amid growing concerns about the shadow fleet’s activities and its potential impact on global energy markets.
The French parliament is expected to vote on the bill by 14 July. The proposed changes are part of a broader effort to strengthen France‘s response to the shadow fleet, which has been linked to Russia‘s circumvention of international sanctions.
Background: Recent Detentions and Sentencing
In late March, a Chinese captain of the Russian tanker Boracay, seized last year by the French navy off the coast of Brittany, was sentenced to one year in prison. The Boracay represents one vessel in a larger network of ships used to circumvent international sanctions against Russia.
On 22 January, France, with support from the United Kingdom, detained the tanker Grinch near the Spanish coast after document checks confirmed suspicions that it was sailing under a false flag. The tanker is part of Russia‘s shadow fleet and is under EU and UK sanctions.
On 20 March, it was also reported that France, again with UK support, detained the vessel Deyna in the Mediterranean, which is linked to Russia‘s shadow fleet.
Original Article: France plans to double penalties for vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, France24 says — Yahoo