Sweden released a tanker belonging to Russia's shadow fleet due to lack of evidence

The Swedish Coast Guard has released the sanctioned tanker Flora 1, which was suspected of causing a 12-kilometer oil spill in the Baltic Sea. 

This was reported by The Independent. The investigation failed to find direct evidence of the vessel’s guilt in the environmental incident, and Cameroon unexpectedly confirmed the tanker’s registration in its maritime registry, which dispelled suspicions of the use of a false flag.

The tanker Flora 1 belongs to Russia’s shadow fleet and is subject to sanctions by the European Union, the United Kingdom, and a number of other countries for its involvement in irregular and high-risk shipments. The vessel, owned by a Hong Kong-based company, has been repeatedly observed with its automatic tracking system turned off and transferring oil in the open sea to conceal its origin. Despite the vessel’s release by Swedish authorities, the UK had previously announced its intention to begin intercepting such tankers to combat sanctions evasion.

The release of the Flora 1 came amid growing tensions in the Baltic Sea and reports of Russia’s active use of obsolete vessels to export energy resources. At this time, the Swedish side has not provided additional details regarding the ongoing investigation into the oil spill, and the vessel is continuing its route.

Earlier, Sweden detained the sanctioned tanker Flora 1, which is suspected of causing an oil spill in the Baltic Sea. The oil slick stretched 12 kilometers, and there were 24 people on board the vessel. This has already drawn the attention of prosecutors and environmentalists.

The U.S. military intercepted another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, continuing its campaign to pressure vessels involved in oil shipments that circumvent U.S. sanctions against Venezuela.