France releases Russian “shadow fleet” tanker after fine payment

The tanker “Grinch”, detained in France in January, has been released following the payment of a fine.

The Marseille court sentenced the company owning the vessel under the plea agreement procedure (CRPC) to a financial penalty, according to a joint statement by the public prosecutor, the Bouches-du-Rhône prefecture, and the Mediterranean maritime prefecture, without specifying the amount, Caliber.Az reports, citing French media.

On January 22, France, with support from the UK, detained the tanker in the Fos Gulf near the Marseille-Fos oil terminal. Authorities suspected it belonged to Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which allegedly uses schemes to evade international sanctions. 

Document inspections revealed indications of a false flag, confirming French authorities’ suspicions. The “Grinch” is subject to EU and UK sanctions.

By Jeyhun Aghazada