Italian-Led EU Force Boards Sanctioned Tanker Linked to Russia’s “Shadow Fleet” in Mediterranean

An Italian-led European Union naval mission boarded the sanctioned tanker Toa Payoh, part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” on Sunday, Reuters reported. The inspection by EUNAVFOR MED Irini took place west of Pantelleria as the vessel sailed from Benin to Istanbul. Italy’s Defence Ministry said the tanker was flying a Cameroon registry, switched last week, and documentation was being checked. The mission lacked authority to seize the vessel during the inspection, but materials could support later national action.