French naval forces, with backing from the United Kingdom, have intercepted an oil tanker suspected of belonging to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” in an operation targeting vessels allegedly bypassing international sanctions.
The ship, identified as the Tagor, was boarded in the Atlantic Ocean after departing from northern Russia, according to French officials. Authorities say the vessel was under sanctions imposed by both the European Union and the United States and was suspected of operating under a false flag while attempting to transport oil linked to Russia’s energy exports.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the interception, stating that the operation was carried out to enforce international maritime law and prevent the evasion of sanctions imposed over the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Officials from France’s Atlantic maritime authority said the tanker was closely monitored before the decision was made to divert it for inspection. The vessel was reportedly flying a false registration and had changed flags multiple times during its recent voyages.
The interception took place hundreds of kilometres off the coast of France, with authorities saying the tanker was largely empty at the time of boarding. Investigations are underway to verify its registration status and compliance with international shipping regulations.
The operation is part of a broader Western effort to crack down on Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a network of vessels allegedly used to bypass sanctions and continue exporting oil. France has previously detained several similar ships in recent months as part of enforcement actions in European waters.
Russian officials have previously criticized such seizures, calling them illegal, while Western governments argue they are necessary to enforce sanctions and limit funding for the war in Ukraine.
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