Russian oil tanker, the Grinch, intercepted as US, allies escalate sanctions crackdown

Key Highlights

• President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that French forces had boarded and searched the tanker, which is subject to international sanctions.
• The ship was reportedly sailing from Murmansk, in northern Russia, under a Comoros flag.
• Writing on X, Macron said the operation took place on the high seas in the Mediterranean with the support of several allied countries.
• ‘GHOST SHIPS’ FERRYING ILLICIT OIL HAVE SAILED INTO TRUMP’S CROSSHAIRS The French president added that the vessel had been diverted for further checks. The tanker, identified as the Grinch, was intercepted between the southern coast of Spain and the northern coast of Morocco in the western Mediterranean, French maritime police said.
• The Associated Press reported the interception. France and the U. K., gathered and shared intelligence on the vessel, according to French military officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.