Italy conducts operation on oil tanker alleged to belong to Russia's 'shadow fleet'

The Italian Ministry of Defense reported that a naval mission operating under the European Union (EU) and led by Italy conducted an operation on an oil tanker alleged to be linked to Russia's "shadow fleet."

The ministry stated that the intervention on the Cameroon-flagged tanker named "Toa Payoh," which is on the EU sanctions list, was carried out to verify the ship's flag registration. The statement noted that the ship's captain initially refused to cooperate, prompting Italian military personnel to board the tanker's deck via a helicopter launched from the Thaon di Revel, which serves as the flagship for the "EUNAVFOR MED" (European Union Naval Force Mediterranean) Irini Operation, to conduct an inspection. The statement also mentioned that a Greek warship and a Polish patrol aircraft supported the operation, adding that the intervention lasted approximately 2 hours and concluded safely.

It was reported that the tanker was intercepted during its voyage from the West African country of Benin to Istanbul. No statement was made regarding whether any crew members were detained during the intervention.

A source familiar with the operation stated that the ship had been registered under the Cameroonian flag just last week and that the EU naval mission serving in Operation Irini does not have the authority to seize ships during such inspections.