French Authorities Detain Russian Oil Tanker Amidst Sanctions Evasion Fears
French authorities have detained a Russian oil tanker, the Boracay, off the coast of France on Tuesday. The vessel, operated by the Mosolf Group, had been traveling through European waters for over a year under suspicious circumstances.
The Boracay's journey began in September 2021 when it left the Russian port of Primorsk. It navigated through the Baltic Sea, North Sea, and English Channel before its detention in France. This route raised concerns, as the tanker was previously detained in Estonia for sailing without a valid flag. Investigations revealed that the Boracay is allegedly part of the so-called Russian 'shadow fleet' and is under British and EU sanctions.
French special forces intercepted the tanker on Tuesday, marking a significant action against Russia's alleged attempts to circumvent sanctions. The detention comes amidst ongoing tensions between Russia and the West over various geopolitical issues.
The Boracay's detention highlights the international community's commitment to enforcing sanctions against Russia. The vessel's operator, Mosolf Group, is now under scrutiny. Further investigations will determine the tanker's role in the alleged 'shadow fleet' and its potential violations of international maritime laws.
