France Seizes Suspected Russian Tanker in Mediterranean
French authorities seized an oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea suspected of being part of Russia's "shadow fleet" used to circumvent international sanctions. The tanker, named the "Grinch," was intercepted on Thursday between Spain and Morocco, according to French officials.
President Emmanuel Macron announced the seizure, stating the vessel was "subject to international sanctions and suspected of flying a false flag." The French navy, with assistance from allies including the UK, boarded the tanker, according to French maritime authorities. A search of the vessel "confirmed the doubts as to the regularity of the flag."
The "Grinch" had reportedly set sail from Murmansk in northern Russia. The seizure highlights international efforts to enforce sanctions against Russia and disrupt clandestine activities that finance the war in Ukraine, according to multiple news sources. Russia's embassy in Paris stated it had not been informed of the incident.
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