The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has declared suspicion against the captain of a foreign vessel of the Russian shadow fleet, accused of exporting grain and oil products from Crimea.
According to SBU, in December 2025, the ship was detained in Odesa while attempting to export a shipment of steel pipes under the flag of an African country. During the investigation, SBU found that at the end of 2024, the defendant entered the port of Kerch on a sanctioned tanker, where it was loaded with 2,000 tons of liquefied petroleum gas intended for sale in third countries.
Sanctioned Ship and Illegal Exports
The special service added that in January 2021, the ship illegally exported almost 7,000 tons of grain from Crimea to North Africa. To circumvent sanctions, the person in question constantly changed flags and turned off the automatic identification system. The SBU investigation also revealed that the captain had previously entered the port of Kerch on a sanctioned tanker, violating Ukrainian law.
Crew and Ship Details
The ship was found to have 16 other crew members on board, all from the Middle East. During searches on the ship, flight plans, pilot cards, cartographic materials, and radio communication check logs with evidence of illegal entry into ports in Crimea were discovered.
Charges and Consequences
The captain was charged under Part 2 of Article 332-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of the procedure for entering and leaving the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine). He faces up to five years in prison. The SBU’s declaration of suspicion marks a significant escalation in efforts to combat illegal exports from Crimea, highlighting the need for international cooperation to prevent such activities.
Original Article: SBU has declared the captain of a shadow fleet vessel under suspicion. He is suspected of exporting grain and oil products from Crimea — Babel