Russian security crew found on France-seized shadow fleet tanker

Two employees of a Russian private security company were aboard the suspected Russian “shadow fleet” tanker Boracay, which was seized by French authorities in September, sources said. A lawyer representing the vessel’s Chinese captain also confirmed their presence, France24 reports.

The two men, Aleksander T., 34, and Maksim D., 40, were employed by Moran Security Group, a private Russian company reportedly founded by former officers of the FSB. Maksim D. is a former police officer who also served with the Wagner mercenary group. Their role, according to an anonymous source familiar with the matter, was “to ensure the protection of the vessel and, above all, to make sure the captain strictly followed the orders given in line with Russian interests,” while also gathering intelligence.

French forces boarded the Boracay, which claimed to be flagged in Benin, after suspicions it was part of a fleet transporting Russian oil in violation of Western sanctions. The captain and first mate were briefly detained before the vessel was allowed to resume its journey. “There were two Russian citizens on board the ship,” lawyer Henri de Richemont said. “They represented the cargo… They are not sailors. My client has nothing to do with their presence.”

The Boracay has also been linked to unexplained drone flights over Denmark last year near military sites, though no formal connection has been established. European intelligence sources note that Moran Security personnel have been observed aboard other vessels in Russia’s “shadow fleet,” indicating coordination between private military companies and the state. “The shadow fleet is very active; they use military ships to follow the shadow fleet,” a source said, noting that about 60 percent of Russian oil passes through the Baltic, a “lifeline” for Moscow.

French President Emmanuel Macron called on the European Union to intensify sanctions on Russia, including banning shipping services for Russian crude oil. NATO and European security experts have raised concerns that some sanctioned tankers could be involved in sabotage, including damaging undersea cables, though intent is often difficult to prove.

In 2024, the US Treasury sanctioned Moran Security for providing armed security services under contract to Russian state-owned enterprises, naming Alexey Badikov as CEO. The company claims extensive experience in anti-piracy operations across the Middle East and Africa.

By Vafa Guliyeva