German customs authorities today seized a tanker from the "shadow fleet" of Russia, with the help of which the country continues to sell oil around the world despite the current sanctions, the German magazine "Spiegel" reported.
The authorities have confiscated the Panamanian-flagged tanker "Eventin", which has been anchored off the coast of the island of Rügen since mid-January.
The confiscation means that both the tanker and about 100,000 tons of crude oil worth 40 million euros will now become the property of Germany.
Security sources said that after the confiscation decision, the flag under which the ship was sailing will be changed.
Previously, intensive negotiations were held between several ministries on how to proceed with the tanker, which had been traveling from the Russian port of Ust-Luga across the Baltic Sea to Egypt.
In mid-January The "Eventin" initially drifted around the island of Rügen, unable to maneuver. Due to the imminent danger of an oil spill, the tanker was towed and monitored around the clock by the coast guard and federal police. Since the end of February, the ship has been listed by the EU as part of the Russian "shadow fleet".
Moscow continues to sell oil for billions of euros around the world, mostly using its older ships that do not fly the Russian flag.
After the "Eventin" was listed, the German government decided to seize the ship. According to the chancellery and foreign ministry, this is intended to send a signal to Russia that Germany will not stand idly by and monitor the transit of Russian oil through the Baltic Sea.
The authorities are now planning how and where the oil can be safely drained from the tanker, as well as what will happen to the ship.
The provincial government in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania wants the issue of the tanker to be resolved soon and moved from where it is now, as it is concerned about its negative impact on the environment and tourism.
The finance ministry, which is responsible for customs in Germany, did not want to comment on the issue due to "current customs measures and the current security situation".