The vessel DF Peak is linked to the sanctioned company Sovcomflot
The French Navy detained the DF Peak tanker in the Indian Ocean, which belongs to the Russian shadow fleet and is suspected of illegal fuel transportation. French President Emmanuel Macron announced the open-sea operation. This was reported by Ukrinform citing Emmanuel Macron, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
The French naval forces intercepted the vessel more than 450 nautical miles south of Réunion Island. The action was carried out in full compliance with international maritime law to combat illegal trade.
Document verification and course change
During the operation, French military personnel boarded the vessel to verify its true affiliation with the declared flag state. Document checks confirmed suspicions regarding the fraudulent use of the Benin flag.
Following consultations with judicial authorities, the case information was transferred to the prosecutor’s office in Saint-Denis. At the prosecutor’s request, the crew changed their route under military escort to an anchorage near Réunion.
Crew and vessel sanctions status
All 21 crew members remain on board the detained ship under the supervision of the French military contingent. The Main Directorate of Intelligence database War and Sanctions classifies this vessel, bearing IMO identification number 9341067, as part of Russia’s shadow export network.
Ukrainian intelligence documented the tanker’s involvement in transporting Russian oil and its ties to the sanctioned company Sovcomflot. The vessel itself is already subject to restrictions imposed by the United States and the European Union.
Photo: ОП
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