Foreign Vessel Detained in Odesa Port Linked to Russian Shadow Fleet
Authorities in Odesa have apprehended a foreign ship associated with Russia's so-called "shadow" fleet, which was transporting Ukrainian agricultural goods from the occupied Crimea. The vessel frequently changed its name and beneficiaries to evade sanctions and continue its illegal operations.
This information was disclosed on December 10 by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
Vessel under sanctions
The SBU established that the owner of the detained ship was under the sanctions imposed by the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC). To conceal its activities, the owner repeatedly changed the ship's name and fictitious beneficiaries from third countries.
The bulk carrier entered the Odesa port under the flag of an African nation to load steel pipes, but during inspection, it was revealed that it had previously operated in the interest of Russia.
Illegal voyages to Crimea
According to the investigation, prior to the full-scale war, the vessel made at least seven trips to Sevastopol for the illegal export of Ukrainian products. In January 2021, it transported nearly 7 thousand tons of grain from the temporarily occupied peninsula to North Africa.
At the time of arrest, the captain and 16 crew members were on board, citizens of several Middle Eastern countries. During a search of the bulk carrier, plans for voyages, pilot cards, maps, and communication logs indicating illegal activities in Crimean ports were discovered.
What are the consequences
The SBU reported that cases have been opened under four articles, including treason, financing activities against Ukraine, and violations of entry procedures into the occupied territory. The vessel will be transferred to the management of the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA).
It is worth noting that law enforcement has also uncovered a scheme for the illegal sale of decommissioned military vessels that were supposed to be scrapped. Additionally, plans are in place to unify the ports of the Danube cluster under a single administration in Ukraine.
