Key facts
- A Swedish court ruled the seizure of the cargo ship Caffa lawful.
- The court ruled the vessel can be handed over to Ukraine.
- Ukraine is investigating suspected war crimes related to property appropriation from Russian-occupied territory.
- The ship was seized in March for alleged false flag operation and unseaworthiness.
- The alleged conduct could constitute a war crime under Swedish law.
A Swedish court has ruled that the seizure of the cargo ship Caffa, which was taken off the coast of southern Sweden in March, was lawful. The court has also ruled that the vessel can be handed over to Ukraine. Swedish police and the coast guard initially seized the ship, alleging it was sailing under a false flag and violated maritime and ship safety laws due to a lack of seaworthiness. Ukraine is seeking the ship as part of an investigation into suspected war crimes, specifically the appropriation and removal of property from Russian-occupied territory. Public prosecutor Hakan Larsson stated that the court confirmed the seizure was legally founded and the vessel may be surrendered to Ukraine. The alleged conduct could constitute a war crime under Swedish law, paving the way for the transfer of the vessel and evidence to Ukrainian authorities. The ruling must become legally binding before any transfer can occur, and the owners have three weeks to appeal. The Caffa had 11 crew members, most of whom were Russian, at the time of its seizure.