Indian Captain of Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Oil Tanker Detained by France; Entire Crew Also Indian

Paris: French authorities have detained the Indian captain of an oil tanker suspected of being part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” a network allegedly used to bypass Western sanctions on Russian oil exports. The vessel, named Grinch, was intercepted by the French Navy in the Mediterranean Sea and is currently anchored under guard near the southern French port of Marseille.

According to an AFP report, the tanker was stopped after it was found sailing without a national flag, a violation of international maritime norms. The 58-year-old captain, an Indian national, has been taken into custody, while the remaining crew members—also all Indian nationals—are being kept onboard the vessel as investigations continue. The Marseille Public Prosecutor’s Office is overseeing the case.

Western countries, including the United States and members of the European Union, have accused Russia of using revenues from oil sales to fund its war against Ukraine. As part of efforts to enforce sanctions and a price cap on Russian crude oil, authorities have been closely monitoring vessels suspected of covertly transporting Russian oil.

The tanker Grinch is alleged to be part of this “shadow fleet,” which typically consists of ageing vessels that frequently change flags—a practice known as “flag-hopping”—to evade tracking and enforcement. French officials noted that the absence of a flag at the time of interception raised serious suspicions.

The French Navy escorted the tanker to the Gulf of Fos in southern France. As of Sunday, the ship was anchored about 500 metres off the coast near the town of Martigues, with a French naval vessel and two gendarmerie patrol boats stationed nearby. Maritime and aerial exclusion zones have been imposed around the tanker.

According to EU sources, at least 598 vessels suspected of links to Russia’s shadow fleet are currently under European Union sanctions. The 249-metre-long Grinch appears on these lists under the name Karl, as identified by both EU and US authorities.

This is the second such incident in recent months. In September last year, France detained another tanker named Borake, which had claimed to be sailing under the Benin flag but was later found to be operating under questionable credentials.

Investigations into the Grinch and its operations are ongoing, and French authorities have not yet announced whether formal charges will be filed.