French Troops Board Oil Tanker Linked to Russia's Mysterious "Shadow Fleet

French Troops Board Oil Tanker Linked to Russian 'Shadow Fleet' PARIS — French troops boarded an oil tanker believed to be part of Russia's "shadow fleet" on Saturday, according to news agency AFP. The vessel, Boracay, had been anchored off western France for several days after leaving Russia last month. French President Emmanuel Macron said at a European Union leaders' summit in Copenhagen that the crew had committed "serious offenses," but did not elaborate. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia had no knowledge of the vessel. The Boracay was one of several ships to leave Russian ports in recent months, sparking concerns about evading sanctions imposed due to the war in Ukraine. The tanker's presence off Denmark's coast last week led to the temporary closure of several airports after unidentified drones caused disruptions. Prosecutors in Brest have opened an investigation into two counts: refusing an order to stop and failing to justify the nationality of the ship's flag. Many Western nations have been monitoring the movements of these ships, which are believed to be part of a larger network used to circumvent sanctions. The incident highlights the complexities of international trade and the challenges of enforcing economic sanctions in today's globalized economy. As AI-powered systems become increasingly integrated into supply chains, concerns about their potential use for illicit activities grow. Experts say that the use of advanced technologies like drones and artificial intelligence can make it more difficult to track and monitor suspicious activity at sea. "The rise of autonomous vessels and drone technology has created new challenges for maritime law enforcement," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading expert on international trade and security. The French government has not commented on whether the ship may have been used as a platform for the drone flights that caused disruptions in Denmark last week. The investigation into the Boracay's activities is ongoing, with prosecutors working to determine the extent of any wrongdoing. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact international relations and global trade. For now, the French government has taken a firm stance on enforcing sanctions and protecting national security. Background: The concept of a "shadow fleet" refers to a network of ships used to evade economic sanctions by concealing their true ownership or nationality. These vessels often operate in areas where regulations are less strict, making it easier for them to engage in illicit activities. Implications: The incident highlights the need for more effective international cooperation and regulation of maritime trade. As AI-powered systems become increasingly integrated into supply chains, concerns about their potential use for illicit activities grow. Next Developments: The investigation into the Boracay's activities is ongoing, with prosecutors working to determine the extent of any wrongdoing. The French government has not commented on whether the ship may have been used as a platform for the drone flights that caused disruptions in Denmark last week. *Reporting by Bbc.*