France detains captain of Russian shadow fleet tanker Tagor

French authorities have taken into custody the captain of the Russian oil tanker Tagor, which was intercepted by the French military off the coast of Brittany on Sunday.

According to Ukrinform, Le Monde stated this in an article, citing the Brest prosecutor's office.

"The ship's captain, who is a Russian citizen, may face up to one year in prison and a fine of 150,000 euros for the absence of a proper flag and for refusing to comply with the order to stop at sea. A decision may also be made to confiscate the vessel," the prosecutor's office said.

It was also clarified there that the shipowner, whose identity is currently being established, could be sentenced to the same penalties.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Russian agency TASS reported that the captain had been detained and said that Russian diplomacy was demanding his release. Moscow also requested consular access to the detainee.

As a reminder, the tanker Tagor was stopped by the French Navy. It was then escorted by National Navy vessels to Douarnenez Bay in the Finistère department, where the prosecutor's office opened an investigation.

As Ukrinform reported, French naval forces detained the oil tanker Tagor in the Atlantic Ocean. The vessel is under international sanctions and was heading from Russia.

Photo: vesselfinder.com / Hans Fairhurst