In a move to tighten the noose on Russia’s sanctions-busting tactics, French authorities have seized an oil tanker suspected of being part of Moscow’s elusive “shadow fleet” in the Mediterranean Sea. The vessel, named the Grinch, was intercepted by the French navy, with the assistance of allies including the UK, as it sailed between Spain and Morocco.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the seizure, stating that the tanker was “subject to international sanctions and suspected of flying a false flag.” A search of the vessel confirmed the authorities’ doubts about the legitimacy of its flag, which was reportedly that of the Comoros.
The Grinch, which had set sail from the Arctic port of Murmansk in northern Russia, is believed to be part of Russia’s clandestine network of tankers used to evade Western sanctions on Russian oil exports. These so-called “shadow fleets” employ tactics such as using aged tankers with obscure ownership or insurance to conceal the origin of the oil.
“We are determined to uphold international law and to ensure the effective enforcement of sanctions,” Macron said, emphasizing that the activities of the “shadow fleet” contribute to financing Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
The UK’s Defence Secretary, John Healy, revealed that the British navy had provided “tracking and monitoring” support, with HMS Dagger monitoring the tanker through the Straits of Gibraltar. “Alongside our allies, we are stepping up our response to shadow vessels to choke off the funds that fuel Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine,” Healy added.
This latest seizure comes as Western nations intensify their efforts to crack down on Russia’s sanctions-busting tactics. The UK has already imposed sanctions on 544 Russian “shadow fleet” vessels, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for the confiscation and sale of the oil carried by these tankers, stating that it would be “fair” to do so.
The French action is part of a broader push to ensure that Russian oil no longer finances the country’s war against Ukraine. As Zelenskyy said at the Davos World Economic Forum, “Europe loves to discuss the future but avoids taking action.” This latest seizure demonstrates a growing resolve among Western nations to disrupt Russia’s ability to fund its military aggression.