Captain of Russian tanker detained in France

Captain of Russian «shadow fleet» tanker Grinch detained in France

Prosecutor's Office of the French city Marseille took into custody captain of the Russian «shadow fleet» tanker Grinch, which France intercepted on Thursday, 22 January. This is reported by the «Ukrainian Pravda» with reference to French sources.

What is known about the detention

According to the prosecutor's office, the Grinch tanker itself was handed over to the Marseille prosecutor. The captain and crew are expected to procedural interrogations, During the inspection, the circumstances of the voyage, cargo and legal status of the vessel will be clarified.

«Russia's »shadow fleet"

The Grinch tanker has been linked to the so-called «Russia's »shadow fleet" - a network of vessels used to circumvent international sanctions, among other things:

• transportation of Russian oil;

• concealment of the origin of goods;

• manipulation of flags and insurance.

Such vessels are increasingly subject to inspections and detentions in EU waters.

Context.

France and other EU countries strengthen control over maritime transport, related to Russian oil, amid sanctions against Moscow over the war against Ukraine. The interception of the «shadow fleet» tankers is seen as an element of economic pressure on russia and fighting against circumvention of restrictions.

The further fate of the Grinch and its crew will depend on the outcome of the investigation and legal assessment by the French authorities.