France Seizes Suspected Russian “Shadow Fleet” Tanker in Mediterranean

Paris, France –French authorities have seized an oil tanker in the Mediterranean suspected of being part of Russia’s sanction-evading “shadow fleet.” The vessel, named Grinch, is reportedly subject to international sanctions and is suspected of flying a false flag, according to French President Emmanuel Macron.

The operation was conducted by the French Navy with support from international allies, including the United Kingdom. The tanker was intercepted on Thursday morning in international waters between Spain and Morocco. Following a detailed search, French maritime authorities confirmed irregularities regarding the vessel’s flag registration, raising suspicions of sanction violations.

In response, the Russian Embassy in Paris stated that it had not been notified about the seizure, escalating tensions over enforcement of international sanctions in maritime shipping.