Dramatic new video footage captures the moment when a Russian oil tanker, known as The Grinch, is raided by commandos. The French navy, acting on intelligence shared by British sources, intercepted the vessel in the Mediterranean Sea as part of an operation aimed at curtailing Vladimir Putin’s ‘shadow fleet’ that defies sanctions.
Authorities suspect the tanker of sailing under a false flag and have escorted it for further inspection after it set sail from Murmansk, Russia. President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the success of the operation, emphasizing its compliance with international maritime laws and the initiation of a judicial inquiry.
Despite stringent sanctions, Putin has managed to sustain his war efforts against Ukraine and ramp up Russia’s weapons production using oil revenues. NATO allies, including the UK and France, have pledged to combat the shadow fleet, believed to consist of over 400 vessels, and are working on agreements with flag-carrying nations to facilitate boarding procedures.
Recent joint efforts, such as the seizure of the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic, highlight the resolve of countries like the UK to take decisive actions against stateless vessels. The video footage showcases masked French commandos descending onto the tanker’s deck from a military helicopter, surveilling the ship with night vision, and inspecting documents found on board before preparing it for seizure.
