A detained tanker from Russia's shadow fleet has been stranded in Marseille

The Grinch tanker, which is suspected to be part of the Russian shadow fleet transporting oil bypassing international sanctions, has been immobilized in the port of Marseille, the prosecutor's office said on Wednesday. The captain of the unit, who is an Indian citizen, was released from custody on Monday.

The tanker was placed under administrative immobilization procedure, the prosecutor's office in Marseille said in a statement. An investigation into the unit is still ongoing under her supervision. The captain and crew, including Indian nationals, are on board.

The Grinch was detained by French authorities last Thursday in international waters. A group of military personnel came on board to check the unit's affiliation. French authorities suspect that it was sailing under a false flag. Media reported that the tanker was using the Comoros flag.

The Grinch, measuring 249 meters in length, is on the British list of ships belonging to the Russian shadow fleet. Under the name Carl, he is listed on similar lists of the European Union and the USA.

The EU list currently includes 589 such ships.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that he wants to increase pressure on the shadow fleet, which allows Russia to derive oil revenues and finance its war against Ukraine.

From Paris Anna Wróbel (PAP)

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