France Detains Russian-Linked Tanker, Arrests Crew Amid Shadow Fleet Crackdown

French authorities have detained a tanker suspected of operating within Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” and arrested two crew members, intensifying European efforts to clamp down on vessels used to evade international sanctions.

The ship, identified as the Boracay and previously known under other names, was intercepted by French naval forces off the Atlantic coast after raising suspicion over its shifting registrations and unclear flag state. Officials said the captain and crew failed to provide satisfactory documentation and ignored naval orders, prompting their detention.

President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that the move was part of France’s broader strategy to counter Russia’s covert maritime operations. He noted that the tanker’s activities may also be linked to recent drone incursions over Denmark, which disrupted civilian air traffic. While investigations continue, prosecutors said the captain faces trial in February for refusing to cooperate with naval authorities.

The Boracay remains anchored under French control as legal and maritime inquiries assess its ownership trail and past registry changes. Authorities believe the tanker may be part of the network of aging vessels Russia uses to transport oil and bypass Western sanctions.

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced the arrests in parliament, emphasizing that the action demonstrated Europe’s commitment to enforcing sanctions and closing loopholes in maritime trade. Macron echoed this stance, arguing that such measures are essential to deprive Moscow of revenues that fuel its war in Ukraine.

The detention marks one of the most assertive European interventions against Russia’s shadow fleet to date. Analysts suggest it could signal a tougher, more coordinated approach by European states, combining naval patrols with legal prosecutions to disrupt illicit shipping practices tied to Russian exports.