Finance
French Navy Seizes Tanker From Russia Suspected of Flying False Flag in Mediterranean
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 20, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 20, 2026
Quick Summary
France’s navy, with UK support, intercepted and seized the Comoros‑flagged tanker “Grinch” in the western Mediterranean after suspecting it of flying a false flag to skirt sanctions — part of Russia’s so‑called “shadow fleet” circumventing sanctions on oil exports.
France boards tanker it says is linked to Russian shadow fleet in Mediterranean
French Navy Seizes Suspected Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker
(Refiles to fix typo in headline)
By John Irish, Marc Leras and Gianluca Lo Nostro
Details of the Seizure Operation
PARIS, March 20 (Reuters) - The French Navy seized an oil tanker on Friday in the Western Mediterranean that President Emmanuel Macron said belonged to Russia's shadow fleet, a network of vessels that enables Moscow to export oil despite Western sanctions.
Vessel Identification and Route
Local officials told Reuters earlier on Friday that the navy had boarded a Mozambique-flagged vessel named Deyna that was suspected of flying a false flag. The ship had been sailing from the Russian port of Murmansk.
International Cooperation
The operation was carried out with British allies, the French Mediterranean prefecture said.
Background and Reactions
Sanctions and Russian Response
Russia, which has had increasing international sanctions imposed on it over its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, did not immediately comment on the tanker's seizure. It has previously called the seizure of its tankers or vessels carrying its cargoes an act of piracy.
Further Inspection and Official Statements
At the prosecutor's request, the vessel was escorted to an anchorage point for further inspection, the French military said.
Macron's Statement
"These ships, which circumvent international sanctions and violate the law of the sea, are war profiteers," Macron wrote in a post on X. "They seek to reap profits and finance Russia's war effort."
Previous and Related Incidents
Earlier Interceptions
It was the second such interception by France in recent months. In January, France stopped the oil tanker Grinch between the southern coast of Spain and the northern coast of Morocco on suspicion that it was part of the Russian shadow fleet.
Assistance to Belgium
The French navy assisted Belgium in a third operation earlier in March.
(Reporting by John Irish, Marc Leras and Gianluca Lo Nostro; Editing by Makini Brice and Timothy Heritage)
Key Takeaways
- •The seized vessel, Grinch, sailed from Russia’s Murmansk port and was diverted following verification doubts over its flag/sanctions status
- •The operation, conducted January 22 in the Alboran Sea, underscores growing Western efforts to disrupt Russia’s shadow fleet and sanction‑evasion tactics
- •Such actions are increasing: experts estimate hundreds of aging ships operate under false flags, enabling continued revenue flows to fund Russia’s war effort
Frequently Asked Questions about French navy seizes tanker from Russia suspected of flying false flag in Mediterranean
1Why did the French navy seize the Deyna vessel?
The Deyna vessel was seized because it was suspected of flying a false flag and circumventing international sanctions.
2Where did the seized tanker originate from?
The seized tanker was sailing from the Russian port of Murmansk.
3Which countries were involved in the operation?
The operation was carried out by the French Navy with support from British allies.
4What is the suspected purpose of the shadow fleet?
The shadow fleet is suspected of circumventing sanctions and financing Russia's war effort.
