Ukrainian Authorities Capture Vessel Tied to Russia’s Covert Shipping Network

Ukrainian security officials detained a cargo ship in the port of Odesa, which they claim is associated with Russia’s so-called «shadow fleet,» the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported on Wednesday.

The identity of the vessel has not been revealed, but it arrived flying the flag of an African nation to load a consignment of steel pipes.

At the time of the interception, the ship’s captain along with 16 crew members, who held passports from unspecified Middle Eastern countries, were aboard.

As reported by the SBU, the ship was involved in the illicit transportation of nearly 7,000 tons of Russian grain from the annexed territories of Crimea to North Africa back in January 2021.

Furthermore, the agency noted that the vessel made «at least seven» visits to Sevastopol for the same reason just prior to Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

During the search, investigators discovered voyage plans, pilot charts, and other documents that the SBU claims demonstrate the ship’s role in «unauthorized activities in ports located in temporarily occupied Ukrainian regions.»

In response, Ukraine has initiated a criminal investigation with charges including financing actions intended to seize state authority or modify national borders, treason, transportation-related violations, and unlawful entry into occupied areas.

The SBU indicated that the ship’s owner is subject to Ukrainian national security sanctions and regularly alters the vessel’s name and registered foreign beneficiaries to evade restrictions.

The confiscated vessel will be turned over to Ukraine’s Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA), which is responsible for handling assets linked to corruption and other criminal activities.

According to Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office, the ship’s captain has been formally informed of suspicions regarding illegal entry to and exit from temporarily occupied territories.