Italy blocks 33,000-ton metal shipment linked to alleged sanctions breach

The Italian Financial Guard has detained a vessel in the port of Brindisi, along with its cargo of 33,000 tons of metal raw materials, after confirming that the ship had previously called at the Russian port of Novorossiysk, Russian media reports, citing an official statement from the authority.

According to the agency, the detention was carried out under EU Regulation No. 833/2014, which imposes restrictions on exports to and imports from Russia, as well as subsequent sanctions packages.

An examination of electronic navigation data revealed that the vessel, registered under the flag of a small oceanic island state, was in Novorossiysk from November 13-16, where it allegedly engaged in “prohibited loading operations.”

Customs representatives stated that additional inspections of the ship’s navigation systems will follow. The official release noted that the navigation systems were reportedly switched off at the time of the vessel’s arrival in Novorossiysk, ostensibly to “avoid geolocation and hinder checks by the competent authorities.”

A Brindisi court has upheld the legality of the preventive seizure of both the vessel and its entire cargo. The importer, the vessel’s owner, and several crew members are currently under investigation.

By Tamilla Hasanova