A preliminary investigation, initiated on January 22, concerns a possible violation of flag usage regulations. Checks are being conducted by the maritime gendarmerie in conjunction with the Marseille Vessel Security Center.
The tanker GRINCH was anchored in the Marseille-Fos area, where maritime and aerial exclusion zones have been established. French authorities emphasized that this is necessary to ensure the safety of the investigation.
On January 22, the tanker was intercepted in international waters of the Alboran Sea, between Spain and the northern coast of Africa, during an operation by the French Navy with support from allies, including the United Kingdom. After inspection, the vessel was escorted to the French coast.
On January 25, the AFP agency published a video provided by the French Armed Forces General Staff, showing a group of French soldiers landing on the tanker from a helicopter for inspection.
The investigation suggests that GRINCH may have been using a false flag of the Comoros. It was previously reported that the vessel had changed flags multiple times over the past two years. French authorities also note that such vessels are often used to circumvent sanctions and for covert deliveries of petroleum products.
The tanker GRINCH is on the sanctions lists of the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United States as part of Russia's "shadow fleet." The vessel was built in 2004.
