Key facts
- A French prosecutor ordered the immobilization of an oil tanker suspected of being part of Russia's 'shadow fleet'.
- The tanker was intercepted off Sicily on June 23 and was sailing from Primorsk, Russia, under a Cameroonian flag.
- French authorities suspected the vessel was sailing under a false flag.
- The ship is anchored in the Gulf of Fos-sur-Mer, near Marseille.
- The ship's captain, held for two days, was released by the prosecutor.
- France has intercepted at least five tankers it claims are part of Russia's shadow fleet.
A French prosecutor has ordered the immobilization of an oil tanker suspected of being part of Russia's 'shadow fleet,' a network of vessels used to ship oil and gas and circumvent Western sanctions. The tanker, which was sailing from Primorsk, Russia, under a Cameroonian flag, was intercepted off Sicily on June 23. French authorities suspected the vessel was operating under a false flag. The ship is currently anchored in the Gulf of Fos-sur-Mer, near Marseille, with 25 crew members on board. The prosecutor's office also ordered the release of the ship's captain, who had been held in police custody for two days. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that this action, following a similar operation by Britain, demonstrates European resolve against the 'shadow fleet.' France has previously intercepted at least five tankers it claims are part of this fleet.