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Ukraine Uncovers Scheme Supplying Vessels to Russia’s Shadow Fleet
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Ukrainian law enforcement agencies, in cooperation with the Finnish Customs Service, have uncovered a scheme involving the purchase of vessels for Russia’s shadow fleet.
The Office of the General Prosecutor reported on May 14, that an international criminal group, which included Ukrainian citizens, purchased ships to be secretly transferred to Russia.
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The Security Service of Ukraine stated that the group consisted of both Ukrainian citizens and foreigners. One participant located in Ukraine has been detained.
During searches, authorities seized computer equipment and smartphones containing evidence of the transactions. The individual has been notified of suspicion of aiding the aggressor state under part one of Article 111-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
According to the investigation, the group identified and purchased specific vessels in European countries. They provided legal support and recruited crews for the ships. Once the vessels reached the open sea, the crews turned off navigation and tracking equipment and moved toward a designated point in neutral waters.
There, the ships were secretly handed over to the Russian side. Russia then used these vessels for its oil industry as part of the so-called shadow fleet.
The Security Service of Ukraine documented that the participants provided Russia with tugboats. These tugs are used to escort large oil tankers when they enter ports.
The Office of the General Prosecutor added that investigative actions are ongoing regarding other members of the group. This includes foreign citizens who may have been involved in the acquisition, documentation, movement, and transfer of the vessels to Russian interests.
An investigation by BBC Verify found that nearly 200 vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet entered British waters after tougher enforcement measures were announced in March 2026. Although the UK government stated that armed forces were authorized to board sanctioned ships.
The report noted that 184 such vessels made over 200 journeys through British zones between March and May without any public evidence of interceptions.
Most of these ships were oil tankers, and some appeared to have been escorted by a Russian naval frigate, leading to criticism from former naval commanders regarding the lack of active enforcement.
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