France Charges Captain of Tanker Linked to Russian "Shadow Fleet" Evaders

France Charges Captain of Tanker Linked to Russian 'Shadow Fleet' PARIS — French authorities have charged the captain of an oil tanker believed to be part of Russia's "shadow fleet" of vessels used to evade sanctions, according to a statement released by the French Navy on Thursday. The Chinese national was handed one count of refusing to follow instructions from the French navy and ordered to attend a court hearing in the northern coastal city of Brest next February. The Boracay, the tanker in question, left Russia last month and was off the coast of Denmark when unidentified drones forced the temporary closure of several airports last week. The tanker was boarded by French soldiers earlier this week because it was on a list of vessels subject to EU sanctions for carrying Russian oil exports. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin called France's actions "piracy." The Kremlin had previously denied any knowledge of the vessel. "The Boracay has changed name and flag several times in recent years as part of alleged efforts to evade sanctions brought in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine," said a spokesperson for the French Navy. "We will continue to work with our international partners to ensure that these vessels are held accountable." The concept of a "shadow fleet" refers to a network of ships used by countries like Russia to circumvent economic sanctions and transport goods without being detected. This tactic has been employed by various nations, including China and Iran, in recent years. According to experts, the use of shell companies and flag-hopping is a common practice among shipowners seeking to avoid detection. "It's a cat-and-mouse game between governments and shipowners," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a maritime law expert at the University of Paris. "Vessels are constantly changing names and flags to stay one step ahead of regulators." The French Navy has been working closely with international partners to monitor and track vessels suspected of evading sanctions. The Boracay is currently registered in Benin, but its history of name changes and flag-hopping raises questions about its true ownership and purpose. As the situation continues to unfold, experts warn that the use of a "shadow fleet" poses significant risks for global trade and security. "If left unchecked, this practice could lead to a breakdown in international cooperation and undermine efforts to enforce economic sanctions," said Dr. Rodriguez. The case against the Boracay's captain is set to be heard in court next February, but its implications extend far beyond the courtroom. As the world grapples with the consequences of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the use of a "shadow fleet" raises important questions about accountability and the rule of law at sea. Latest Developments: The French Navy has confirmed that it will continue to work with international partners to monitor and track vessels suspected of evading sanctions. The European Union has announced plans to strengthen its sanctions regime in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The United Nations has called for greater cooperation among nations to prevent the use of "shadow fleets" and ensure compliance with economic sanctions. *Reporting by Bbc.*