French Navy intercepts fourth oil tanker linked to Russian shadow fleet (opex360.com)

• French Navy intercepts oil tanker 'Tagor' 400 nautical miles west of Brittany.
• Ship suspected of false flag; originally from Murmansk under Madagascar flag, then switched to Cameroon.
• Captain (Russian) refused orders; criminal investigation in Brest for flag fraud and disobedience.
• Russia condemns interception as 'illegal, bordering on piracy'.
• Fourth such vessel intercepted since September 2025; part of sanctions enforcement against Russian shadow fleet.

"On June 1, 2026, the French Navy intercepted the oil tanker 'Tagor' in the high seas of the Atlantic, 400 nautical miles west of Brittany. The vessel, suspected of flying a false flag, was linked to the Russian shadow fleet used to circumvent sanctions. The operation was conducted under UNCLOS Article 110. The tanker departed from Murmansk on May 2 under the Madagascar flag, later switched to Cameroon, and had its AIS turned off. The Russian captain refused to comply, leading to a criminal investigation in Brest. Russia condemned the interception as illegal."