Illegal Oil Transfer by Russia in the Mediterranean Sea
Russian vessels are continuing their illegal operations in the open waters of the Mediterranean Sea, particularly near Greece, attempting to bypass international sanctions.
According to intelligence reports from Ukraine, since July 2024, there has been a tanker without Western insurance that is transferring oil between vessels in international waters.
These actions are noted to be opaque and pose a threat to environmental safety as they allow for circumventing sanctions control.
The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine states that this tanker is functioning as a floating hub for supplying oil that is under sanctions. Information regarding 577 vessels, of which 159 are involved in dubious activities, has been published on the War&Sanctions portal.
Russian companies are actively employing methods that include disabling AIS, conducting nighttime STS operations, spoofing navigational data, and registering shell companies. Tanker operations often occur at night without lighting and insurance, increasing the risk of serious accidents.
