EU Naval Force Boards Sanctioned Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Over Suspected False Flag

The European Union has boarded another tanker linked to Russia’s shadow fleet as Brussels expands its use of naval forces to challenge vessels suspected of operating under false flags.

Forces assigned to the EU’s Operation IRINI boarded the oil tanker SOUTH STAR this week for a flag-verification inspection, according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

The vessel is under European Union sanctions over its alleged role in transporting Russian oil and petroleum products using irregular and high-risk shipping practices.

“We’re turning up the pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet,” Kallas said.

“The oil tanker MV SOUTH STAR, suspected of sailing under false flag