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France Releases Suspected Tanker 'Grinch' After €1 Million+ Fine

Published February 17, 2026, 14:13
France Releases Suspected Tanker 'Grinch' After €1 Million+ Fine

The oil tanker 'Grinch', suspected of being linked to the Russian 'shadow fleet', has been released by French authorities after paying a fine exceeding one million euros. The vessel had been detained in the port of Fos-sur-Mer for three weeks, as French authorities suspected it of violating European sanctions. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that Russia will no longer be able to finance the war in Ukraine through this 'ghost fleet'. The fine was imposed by the Court of Marseille, signaling France's determination to enforce sanctions against Russia. This case highlights the efforts of European countries to limit Russia's ability to circumvent economic sanctions.