The captain of a Russian shadow fleet tanker has been arrested in France
French law enforcement officials have taken into custody the captain of the Russian oil tanker Tagor, which had previously been detained off the coast of Brittany. The vessel, which is linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, was stopped by the French military on Sunday during an inspection.
"The ship’s captain, a Russian citizen, could face up to one year in prison and a fine of 150,000 euros for failing to fly the proper flag and refusing to comply with the order to stop at sea. A decision to confiscate the vessel may also be made," the prosecutor’s office reported.
They clarified that the shipowner, whose identity is currently being established, could also face the same penalties.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Russian news agency TASS reported the captain’s detention and stated that Russian diplomats are demanding his release. Moscow has also requested consular access to the detainee.
It is worth recalling that the tanker Tagor was stopped by the French Navy. After that, it was escorted by ships of the French Navy to the bay of Douarnenez in the Finistère department, where the prosecutor’s office opened an investigation.
Le Monde reported this, citing the Brest prosecutor’s office.
In Russia, drones struck an oil depot and a port; facilities are on fire.
Over the past 24 hours, 291 combat engagements were recorded on the front line between the Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian troops, with the most intense fighting taking place in the Pokrovsk direction.
Over the past day, the Russian army lost another 1,430 soldiers in the war against Ukraine. Ukrainian defenders also destroyed dozens of artillery systems, hundreds of vehicles, and nearly 1,800 drones.
