France detained the Indian captain of the oil tanker Grinch over suspicions it was part of Russia’s shadow fleet evading sanctions.

France has detained the 58-year-old Indian captain of the oil tanker Grinch after intercepting the vessel in the Mediterranean on January 25, 2026, over suspicions it was part of Russia’s shadow fleet evading sanctions on oil exports. The ship, which sailed from Murmansk under a Comoros flag, was diverted to the Gulf of Fos near Marseille and is under investigation for failing to fly a valid flag and lacking proper navigation documents. The crew, all Indian nationals, remains on board as French authorities probe potential violations of Western sanctions, including possible flag-hopping and illicit oil transfers. This marks France’s second recent seizure of a suspected shadow fleet vessel, reflecting ongoing European efforts to enforce sanctions against Russia’s energy trade.