Suspected Russian "shadow fleet" oil tanker GRINCH held in Marseille port

French prosecutors have confirmed that the oil tanker GRINCH has been grounded at the Marseille-Fos port after being intercepted by the French navy on suspicion of operating under a false flag.

The vessel is believed to be part of the so-called “shadow fleet” that allows Russia to continue exporting oil despite international sanctions, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The prosecutor’s office added that the ship’s Indian captain, who was briefly detained, has been released and is now back on board the tanker.

French authorities said the GRINCH departed the Russian port of Murmansk in early January, flying a Comoros flag.

By Aghakazim Guliyev