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French Navy Seizes Russian Tanker Suspected of Sanctions Violations

Published January 23, 2026, 19:10
French Navy Seizes Russian Tanker Suspected of Sanctions Violations

The French Navy has seized a tanker, the GRINCH, suspected of belonging to Russia's "shadow fleet" and violating sanctions. The vessel, which departed from Murmansk in early January, is being directed to the port of Marseille for further investigation. France suspects the GRINCH was sailing under a false flag (Comoros) and was being used to illegally export oil from Russia. It has released video footage of the seizure operation, which was described as professional. The case is being investigated by the prosecutor of Marseille. The seizure of the ship represents a significant step in the effort to enforce sanctions against Russia.