Ukraine and Finland expose scheme to transfer tugboat for Russia's "shadow fleet"
Kyiv • UNN
Ukraine and Finland have exposed a scheme to transfer a tugboat for the Russian Federation's shadow fleet. A Ukrainian suspect helped the aggressor bypass sanctions for oil exports.
Ukrainian law enforcement officers, in cooperation with Finnish partners, have exposed a scheme for the illegal transfer of a sea tug for the needs of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet." According to the investigation, the vessel was used to bypass international sanctions. This was reported by the Office of the Prosecutor General, according to UNN.
Under the procedural guidance of the Office of the Prosecutor General, a Ukrainian citizen has been notified of suspicion of aiding the aggressor state (Part 1 of Article 111-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). According to the investigation, he was involved in the acquisition of a sea vessel in circumvention of sanction restrictions and its subsequent transfer to a Russian company associated with the Russian oil industry,
The investigation is being carried out within the framework of a joint investigation team formed with the Finnish Customs Service to counter the functioning schemes of the Russian Federation's so-called "shadow fleet."
According to the investigation, the suspect acted in concert with other individuals, including representatives of the Russian Federation. They organized the purchase of a ship tug through a foreign company and ensured its movement in the interests of the Russian side.
To conceal the actual purpose of the vessel, it was registered ostensibly for further use outside the Russian Federation. The suspect represented the interests of the purchasing company, prepared and signed documents regarding the acquisition of the tug, and organized the preparation of the vessel and crew for departure from the port.
After leaving the port, the tug changed its declared route. Subsequently, data on its location disappeared from the electronic vessel tracking system. Later, the vessel was re-registered under the flag of the Russian Federation, received a new name, and came into the possession of a Russian company.
According to the case materials, this company provides towing services at an oil transit terminal and can perform work in the interests of sanctioned Russian entities.
The investigation believes that the transferred tug can be used to escort large-capacity oil tankers during port calls. Such vessels are an important part of Russia's maritime logistics and can ensure the functioning of the so-called "shadow fleet," through which the aggressor state attempts to bypass international sanctions and maintain revenues from energy exports.
Thus, the suspect's actions created the conditions for the transfer of the vessel to the Russian side and its subsequent use in the interests of the Russian oil industry.
As part of the criminal proceedings, searches were conducted at the residences of individuals who may be involved in the transfer of the tug to the Russian company. Computer equipment, mobile phones, documents, as well as cash in the amount of 54,750 US dollars and 37,900 euros were seized.
Prosecutors have initiated the application of a preventive measure to the suspect—detention without the possibility of bail.
Investigative actions are ongoing regarding other participants, including foreign nationals who may have been involved in the acquisition, documentary support, movement, and transfer of vessels in the interests of the Russian Federation.
The Office of the Prosecutor General expresses its gratitude to the Finnish Customs Service for effective cooperation within the joint investigation team and joint efforts aimed at countering the activities of the Russian "shadow fleet,"