Tanker Possibly Part of Russia's Shadow Fleet Seized off French Coast

A tanker, potentially belonging to Russia's 'shadow fleet,' has been seized by France in the Mediterranean Sea. The vessel, named Grinch, was anchored near a port in southern France and is being guarded by the French navy.

The Grinch was intercepted in international waters between Spain and North Africa and escorted to the Fos Gulf. Authorities have launched a preliminary investigation into failure to display a flag. The captain and crew will be interrogated.

The tanker was anchored 500 meters off Martigues. Naval and air exclusion zones have been established around the anchorage. The Grinch appears on UK sanctions lists as a Russian fleet vessel, but as Carl on EU and US lists.

In late September, France seized the Boracay, a ship linked to Russia, which Vladimir Putin called 'piracy.' The Chinese captain of the Boracay will be tried in France in February.