The SSU has uncovered a scheme to supply vessels to Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’
The Security Service of Ukraine has announced that it has uncovered an international criminal group involved in the purchase of seagoing vessels for the Russian ‘shadow fleet’.
According to the investigation, the scheme was used by Russia to circumvent international sanctions. The group comprised Ukrainian citizens and foreign nationals.
The suspects sought out and purchased vessels in European countries, provided legal support and recruited crews.
The ships would then head out to the open sea, switch off their navigation and positioning equipment, and sail to designated points in neutral waters. There, the vessels were handed over to the Russian side.
According to available data, Russia used these vessels for the needs of the oil industry as part of the so-called ‘shadow fleet’.
The SSU documented the supply of tugs that were used to escort large-tonnage oil tankers as they entered ports.
SSU officers detained one of the group’s members who was on Ukrainian territory. During searches, computer equipment and smartphones containing evidence of his activities were seized from him. He was notified of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 111-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, aiding an aggressor state. The suspect faces up to 12 years’ imprisonment with confiscation of property.
The SSU is continuing its investigative and operational activities regarding other participants in the scheme, including third-country nationals.
The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Comprehensive measures were carried out under the procedural guidance of the Office of the Prosecutor General.
