France boards sanctioned Russian-linked tanker in Indian Ocean
French naval forces boarded the DF Peak, formerly the Kaliningrad, in the Indian Ocean near Reunion Island. The tanker was suspected of oil smuggling and had falsely flown Benin's flag despite sanctions from several Western governments.
By Standard Topic. AI-generated from the reporting listed under Coverage. Published . Updated .
This story is no longer being updated. It reflects reporting up to .
What happened
The French navy intercepted and boarded a tanker in the Indian Ocean off Reunion Island. The vessel, the DF Peak, previously named Kaliningrad, was suspected of smuggling oil as part of efforts against the shadow fleet Russia uses to bypass sanctions. The tanker had falsely sailed under the flag of Benin and is sanctioned by the U.S., EU, Switzerland, Canada and Japan.
Why it matters
The seizure is part of French efforts against the shadow fleet Russia uses to get around sanctions.
Timeline
- Oct 12, 3:56 PM ET: The French navy intercepted a vessel off Reunion Island suspected of smuggling oil.
- Oct 13, 11:44 AM ET: France seized a tanker suspected of belonging to Russia's shadow fleet.
More from World
- Iran attacks on Hormuz shipping cut traffic and lift oil prices
- Rubio visits India to discuss trade and Venezuelan crude
- Second possible Chinese drone mothership spotted near Guangzhou
- China's clean energy exports rise as Iran war boosts demand
- US sanctions five Chinese firms over AI trade secrets theft
- Modi marks Dussehra in Delhi, urging India to defeat enemies