French Court to Try Chinese Captain of Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Vessel
A French court is set to try the Chinese captain of a tanker from Russia’s “shadow fleet” after it was intercepted off France, prosecutors said Thursday, in a move seen as a message to Moscow over its efforts to skirt Western oil sanctions.
The Boracay, a vessel claiming to be flagged in Benin and blacklisted by the European Union for being part of Russia’s sanction-busting “shadow fleet” of aging oil tankers, was investigated over inconsistencies in where the tanker was officially registered while it was carrying a “large cargo of oil” from Russia to India. The French navy stopped the vessel on Saturday.
Captain Refuses to Cooperate with Authorities
The captain and first mate of the Boracay were detained on Tuesday over refusing to provide evidence of nationality or cooperate with French authorities, according to the public prosecutor’s office in the northwestern city of Brest. The captain has been told to appear in court in February, but the first mate has been released.
Mysterious Drone Flights Linked to Vessel
Shipping data analyzed by AFP has shown that the Boracay was positioned off Denmark during mysterious drone flights over the country last month, including over military sites, that prompted brief closures at several airports. The exact connection between the vessel and the drone flights is unclear, but the incident highlights concerns about Russia’s efforts to circumvent international sanctions.
French Authorities Take Action
The Boracay‘s detention and the impending trial of its captain are seen as a message from France to Moscow over its efforts to skirt Western oil sanctions. The move comes amid growing tensions between Russia and Western nations over Ukraine, with many countries imposing economic sanctions on Russia in response to its actions.
As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear if the Boracay will be released or if the vessel linked to Russia’s shadow fleet can continue its operations. One thing is certain, however: France’s decision to take action against this vessel sends a strong message about its commitment to upholding international sanctions and protecting global energy markets.
Original Article: France to Try Chinese Captain of Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Vessel — Themoscowtimes