Captain Charged for Evading Sanctions with Russian Tanker

Mon Oct 20 2025 23:22:22 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A Chinese captain faces court after French authorities charge him for ignoring naval orders linked to a tanker in Russia's 'shadow fleet'.

The captain of the Boracay, a tanker connected to Russia's shadow fleet, has been charged in France for refusing to comply with naval instructions. The vessel, which has changed its registration frequently, was detained off the French coast amid ongoing sanctions against Russian oil exports. This incident raises concerns around maritime operations and international law as tensions between Western countries and Russia escalate. French President Macron has noted that Russia operates a large fleet of tankers trying to bypass sanctions.

The captain of an oil tanker believed to be part of Russia's shadow fleet has been charged by French authorities for ignoring orders from the navy.

The Boracay, whose captain is a Chinese national, will have to appear in court next February after being involved in an incident that raised eyebrows in international waters.

Last month, the tanker set sail from Russia and was involved in a security scare that led to airport suspensions in Denmark. The French military boarded the ship as it was flagged under EU sanctions aimed at Russian energy exports.

French actions have been described as piracy by Russian President Vladimir Putin, showcasing the high-stakes game of maritime control and sanctions effort. The Boracay has switched names and flags multiple times, raising suspicions of its operations and intentions, and forming part of a broader strategy by Moscow to circumvent international sanctions.

The vessel is currently being held near Saint-Nazaire after being registered in Benin and previously detained by Estonian authorities due to lack of credible nationality. Tensions in the region continue to grow as a result of recent drone incursions in Danish airspace linked to unrest from Russian operations.