MEDITERRANEAN SEA — On January 22, 2026, the French Navy boarded the oil tanker Grinch, suspected of belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet and flying a false Comoros flag to evade international sanctions.
Sanctioned Tankers Kairos and Virat Sustain External Impacts in Black Sea North of Bosphorus Strait
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The operation occurred off the coast of Almería, Spain, with allied support including United Kingdom intelligence.
A judicial investigation commenced, and the vessel was diverted to Brest, France, for inspection. This action enforces measures against fleets funding Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine.
