Italian Navy Boards Tanker Linked to Russian Shadow Fleet

Italy’s navy boarded a tanker it says is linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet”—vessels commonly used to keep sanctioned Russian oil moving despite international restrictions. Authorities carried out the interception in international waters as part of a broader European effort to identify and disrupt ships supporting Russia’s war economy. Crew and documentation were checked, and the ship was seized or detained while investigations continue into ownership, cargo status, and sanction evasion tactics. The operation reflects increased maritime enforcement in response to sanctions-linked oil trade.