January 22, 2026
France seizes suspected Russian “shadow fleet” tanker Grinch in the Mediterranean Sea
On Jan
TL;DR
- French Navy intercepted the oil tanker Grinch in the Mediterranean Sea on Jan. 22.
- The vessel, originating from Murmansk, Russia, is suspected of false flagging and violating international sanctions.
- The Grinch has changed flags five times in two years and its name in April 2025.
- Its voyage history includes suspicious patterns like prolonged drifting and AIS shutdowns.
- French authorities confirmed doubts about the legitimacy of the flag being flown.
- The tanker is being escorted to an anchorage for further checks.
- French President Macron stated that the "shadow fleet's" activities help finance Russia's war in Ukraine.
- The United States has also recently seized tankers linked to Russia's "shadow fleet."