By. Scott Jackson
01/22/2026
Today French forces seized a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker that was sailing in the Mediterranean. The vessel, an oil tanker flagged from Comoros called ‘Grinch’ (IMO:9288851) was seized in the Alboran Sea, in the Western Mediterranean. The Grinch was boarded on suspicion of flying a false flag, as well as being under international sanctions.
The operation was carried out in partnership with UK forces who provided intelligence.
“The operation was conducted on the high seas in the Mediterranean, with the support of several of our allies. It was carried out in strict compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said after the Grinch was seized.
He also said
“We are determined to uphold international law and to ensure the effective enforcement of sanctions,” Macron explained. “The activities of the ‘shadow fleet’ contribute to financing the war of aggression against Ukraine.”
The operation was first announced with a press release from the French Navy
French Navy press release translated below.
“On January 22, 2026, French Navy assets intervened on the high seas, in the Alboran Sea, on the cargo tanker GRINCH, en route from Murmansk, Russia.
Conducted on the basis of Article 110 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, this operation aimed to verify the nationality of a vessel suspected of flying a false flag.
After the boarding team, the examination of the documents confirmed the doubts regarding the validity of the flag being flown. A report was filed with the Public Prosecutor in Marseille, who has jurisdiction under the maritime court
In accordance with international law and at the request of the public prosecutor, the vessel was diverted on January 22 and is currently being escorted by French Navy vessels to an anchorage for further investigations.
This action, carried out in cooperation with our allies, including the United Kingdom, illustrates the unwavering commitment and determination of France and its partners to uphold international law.”
End translation.
The “shadow fleet” operated by Russia has received a lot of attention in the past,but even more so in the past couple months as both European and U.S. forces have seized multiple vessels suspected of being used to transport Russian oil. These ships are know for using clandestine means and “deceptive shipping practices” to bypass international sanctions put on Russia for its war in Ukraine.
These ships, while called a “shadow” or “dark” fleet operate in the open, with multinational crews (sometimes even carrying Ukrainian crews) using aging ships with many of them being bought for exorbitant prices from the same western nations that sanction Russia in the first place . These ships will use techniques like changing their name and flag to avoid tracking by investigators and law enforcement.
Western powers are taking a stronger stance against Russia’s shadow fleet and Russia is responding, on Monday Russia sent the Project 20380 Steregushchiy-class corvette Boikiy to escort one of its tankers through the English Channel.
The UK especially has signaled its willingness to step up the fight against these ships, specificly as a joint effort. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper saying to Politico “We stand ready to work with allies on stronger enforcement around the shadow fleet,”
She also didn’t rule out using the oil seized from these tankers to support Ukrainian war efforts. This gives Russia two choices, risk having their oil money being used to find their enemies or having their oil storage depots sit full. Neither option is ideal especially as Ukraine continues to target Russian oil depots with drones and missiles.
It’s possible that western actions against Russia’s shadow fleet could become a large flashpoint between Russia and western nations, especially if Russia responds to increased pressure with force, bringing the two sides to conflict.
Global Conflict Reporting 
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