SBU exposed Ukrainians and foreigners who bought ships for the Russian “shadow fleet”

The Security Service of Ukraine has neutralized another scheme by which Russia circumvented international sanctions.

As a result of comprehensive measures, the SBU exposed an international criminal group that, at the request of the Russian Federation, was engaged in the purchase of sea vessels for the “shadow fleet” of the aggressor state.

As the investigation established, the group included citizens of Ukraine and foreigners.

According to the case materials, the defendants searched for and purchased the necessary vessels in European countries, provided their legal support and recruited a crew. After that, the vessels went to the open sea, turned off their navigation and location equipment and moved to a designated point in neutral waters. There they were secretly transferred to the Russian side.

According to available data, Russia uses the specified vessels for the needs of its oil industry within the so-called “shadow fleet”.

The SBU documented how the businessmen supplied the aggressor country with tugboats that are used to escort large-tonnage oil tankers during their port calls.

The Security Service officers detained one of the members of the group, who was in Ukraine. During the searches, computer equipment and smartphones with evidence of the transaction were seized from him.

He was informed of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 111-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (assistance to an aggressor state). The perpetrator faces up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The SBU continues investigative and operational actions against other participants in the scheme, including citizens of third countries. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.

Earlier, USM reported that almost 200 vessels of the Russian “shadow fleet” passed through British waters without hindrance, despite Starmer’s statements.