French Authorities Detain Tanker Captain Amid Investigation into Alleged Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Ship
The captain of the tanker vessel Grinch, suspected of belonging to Russia‘s alleged “shadow fleet,” has been detained by French authorities as part of a preliminary investigation into the ship’s nationality and potential involvement in circumventing international sanctions.
Tanker Interception and Detention
According to a statement released by the prosecutor’s office in Marseille, the Grinch was intercepted by French naval forces in the Mediterranean on Thursday and taken to the port city for further investigation. The vessel is believed to be part of a larger network of ships allegedly used by Russia to evade international sanctions.
Captain Under Custody
The 58-year-old Indian captain of the Grinch has been placed under custody as part of the preliminary investigation, while the rest of the crew, also Indian nationals, remain on board. Authorities are conducting checks on the vessel’s navigation documents and verifying its flag, which is reportedly flying the Comoros Islands’ ensign.
Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’
The Grinch departed from the Russian port city of Murmansk in early January, according to reported data, and was allegedly carrying a false flag. The ship’s involvement with Russia‘s alleged “shadow fleet” has raised concerns about potential circumvention of international sanctions.
EU Sanctions on Russia
The European Union has imposed 19 sets of sanctions on Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine. Despite these restrictions, Moscow has managed to adapt and continue exporting millions of barrels of oil, primarily to India and China, often at reduced prices.
‘Shadow Fleet’ Operations
A significant portion of these exports is believed to be carried out through ships operating under the “shadow fleet” banner, which use tactics such as flag changes or ambiguous ownership structures to evade sanctions.
Previous Incident in October
This incident recalls a similar case in October when French authorities detained another tanker vessel, the Boracay, after it was found to have been subject to sanctions. The ship was eventually released and allowed to depart after several days.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the Grinch is ongoing, with French authorities examining all possible scenarios without making any charges at this time.
Original Article: Γαλλία:Κρατείται πλοίαρχος δεξαμενόπλοιου για υπόθεση «σκιώδους στόλου» — Tanea (Greek) | View English Translation