- Category
- Latest news
Ukraine Uncovers Fake Insurance Scheme Used by Russian Tankers to Evade Sanctions
- Authors
![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
A number of Russian shadow fleet tankers have been found transporting oil with insurance certificates from a non-existent company, according to a recent intelligence assessment from Ukraine's foreign intelligence service.
The report obtained by Ukraine’s foreign intelligence service that were seen by Bloomberg on April 16, reveals that Seaguard P&I, a company purportedly based in Pinneburg, Germany, provided an insurance certificate for the tanker Paz, which has been sanctioned by the US, UK, and European Union.
We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
However, Ukrainian intelligence uncovered that no commercial entity by the name of Seaguard exists in Germany. The address listed on the insurance certificate and the company's official website was found to be that of a residential apartment building.
At least five tankers have been found to have received insurance certificates from Seaguard, as per the Ukrainian intelligence report, according to Bloomberg.
One of these vessels, the Deyna, was seized by French authorities in March under suspicion of attempting to circumvent international sanctions on Russia, the outlet reported.
According to France's maritime prefecture, the tanker, which was flying the Mozambican flag, was traveling from the Russian port of Murmansk. The operation was carried out under Article 110 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as the ship is suspected of operating under a false flag.
The operation was a joint effort with the United Kingdom, with military personnel now escorting the vessel to a designated anchorage for further inspection.
In his statement, French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted that this action underscores France's unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine, despite the ongoing situation in Iran.
“These boats that circumvent international sanctions and violate the law of the sea are war profiteers. They seek to rake in profits and fund the Russian war effort,” Macron wrote.
In addition, on April 15, the United States has confirmed it will not relax sanctions on Russian and Iranian oil nor extend the validity of existing general licenses, as announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during a White House press conference.
“We will not be renewing the general license on Russian oil and we will not be renewing the general license on Iranian oil,” Bessent stated.
He further explained that the measures apply to a limited amount of oil that had been in transit until March 11 under previous licenses. These shipments have now been completed and are no longer covered by the licenses.
-457ad7ae19a951ebdca94e9b6bf6309d.png)
-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
-c439b7bd9030ecf9d5a4287dc361ba31.jpg "Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko")
