France intercepts a vessel of the Russian «shadow fleet»

A tanker belonging to Russia's «shadow fleet» runs aground in France

In French territorial waters stranded the GRINCH tanker, who is suspected of belonging to the so-called «Russia's »shadow fleet". This is reported by the Reuters with reference to the French authorities.

Under a false flag

According to the agency, the tanker flying the flag of the Comoros, which is considered a sham cover. In early January, the vessel left of the Russian port of Murmansk, The company's operations in Ukraine have increased suspicions of its involvement in the supply of Russian oil to circumvent sanctions.

Actions of the French Navy

Previously. French Navy intercepts tanker due to suspicious activity. The captain of the ship a citizen of India - temporarily detained for verification, after which released and allowed to return on board.

Currently, the French authorities continue to checking the possible connection of GRINCH with the «shadow fleet» of the Russian Federation.

Context.

After the introduction of Western sanctions, Russia has been actively using the so-called «shadow fleet» - old tankers with false flags and non-transparent ownership structure - to export oil bypassing restrictions. European countries have recently strengthened control for such vessels in their waters.