France has fined the owner of a tanker belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet 1 million euros
France has fined the owner of the tanker Tagor, which is linked to the Russian shadow fleet, 1 million euros. The vessel was detained at the end of May by the French Navy in the Atlantic Ocean. This was reported by Le Monde, citing Brest public prosecutor Stéphane Kellenberger.
According to the prosecutor, the fine was imposed due to the vessel’s failure to fly the correct flag and its refusal to comply with the French military’s orders.
At the time of its detention, the tanker Tagor was flying the Cameroonian flag. However, the French military suspected that this flag was fake.
It is also noted that the vessel, which is already subject to sanctions, had previously changed flags on several occasions. In particular, the tanker had flown the flags of Madagascar, the Marshall Islands and Panama.
The public prosecutor in Brest has stated that once the guilty plea procedure has been completed, the vessel’s administrative detention will be lifted. The Tagor will then be able to leave French territorial waters.
At the end of May, the French Navy detained the tanker Tagor in the Atlantic Ocean. The vessel, which is subject to international sanctions, was sailing from Russia.
Following its detention, the tanker was escorted to the bay of Douarnenez in the Finistère department, where the public prosecutor’s office launched an investigation. The vessel’s Russian captain was detained but subsequently released.
