France intercepts suspected Russia shadow tanker

January 24, 2026 / 10:50 PM

Sharjah 24 – AFP: French authorities said the oil tanker Grinch, suspected of belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet, was intercepted on Thursday morning in international waters between Spain and North Africa.

Escort to French port for inspection

On Saturday evening, the French navy escorted the tanker toward the port of Fos-sur-Mer, near Marseille, where it was scheduled to arrive later in the day for police inspection.

Investigation underway

The tanker will be anchored and held at the disposal of the Marseille public prosecutor as part of a preliminary investigation into failure to fly a flag. Authorities also established nautical and air exclusion zones around the anchorage site.

Shadow fleet sanctions

The French government suspects the Grinch is part of the Russian shadow fleet, a network of vessels accused of evading sanctions imposed over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The tanker is listed under the name Grinch in the UK sanctions list and as Carl in EU and US lists. Some 598 vessels suspected of belonging to the shadow fleet are currently under EU sanctions.