France Intercepts Russian Oil Tanker in Mediterranean Sea Amid Sanction Evasion Concerns

Tue Feb 03 2026 19:02:26 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

French authorities have apprehended an oil tanker, named the Grinch, suspected of being part of Russia's 'shadow fleet', aimed at undermining international sanctions on Russian oil exports.

The French navy, supported by allies, seized the Grinch, an oil tanker purportedly linked to Russia's efforts to bypass sanctions. This operation underlines ongoing international efforts to enforce sanctions against Russia in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine, with the UK pledging further action against these shadow vessels.

France says it has seized an oil tanker in the Mediterranean suspected of being part of Russia's sanction-busting 'shadow fleet'.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the tanker, named the Grinch, was subject to international sanctions and suspected of flying a false flag. The French navy, with assistance from allies including the UK, boarded the vessel on Thursday morning between Spain and Morocco, confirming concerns regarding the legality of its flag.

Moscow’s embassy in Paris claimed they had not been informed of the seizure. According to French authorities, the Grinch was traveling from the Arctic port of Murmansk in northern Russia when intercepted, flying a Comoros flag.

Macron emphasized the determination to uphold international law and enforce sanctions, asserting that the shadow fleet's activities contribute to financing Russia's war against Ukraine. UK Defence Secretary John Healy reported that the UK navy had provided support in tracking the tanker, with the goal of choking off funds that fuel President Putin's invasion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the action, asserting it was necessary to prevent Russian oil from financing the conflict. He called for apprehended vessels to be confiscated and their oil sold. Amid the ongoing conflict, Western countries have increasingly imposed sanctions on Russian energy since the invasion began in 2022.

Financial intelligence firm S&P Global estimates that one in five oil tankers worldwide are used to smuggle oil from sanctioned countries, indicating the rising prominence of shadow fleets.