Captain of shadowy tanker Tagor arrested in France — Russia demands his release

The captain faces up to a year in prison and a fine of €150,000, and the vessel may be subject to confiscation.

The captain of the tanker Tagor, a Russian citizen, has been taken into custody in France. Le Monde reports.

“The captain of the vessel, who is a Russian citizen, may receive up to one year in prison and a fine of €150,000 for not having the proper flag and refusing to comply with the request to stop at sea. A decision to confiscate the vessel may also be made,” the Brest municipal prosecutor’s office reported.

The shipowner is currently being identified and may face similar sanctions.

The captain’s detention became known on June 4. On the same day, the Russians immediately demanded his release and consular access to the detainee.

Recall that Tagor was stopped by the French Navy with the support of the United Kingdom on Sunday, June 1. After the detention, the vessel was escorted to the Bay of Douarnenez in the Finistère department, where the prosecutor’s office opened an investigation.