The Russian Federation forged the AIS data of more than 80 vessels in order to violate sanctions

Dozens of Russian ships “found themselves” at the Simferopol airport as a result of GPS spoofing.

Dozens of Russian ships have again started transmitting AIS positions, which show them at the airports of occupied Crimea and the Russian Federation. Maritime Executive writes about it.

As of June 4, 2024, about 50 ships broadcast their location at Simferopol International Airport. About 30 more ships allegedly ended up at the Gelendzhik airport near Novorossiysk.

While the Russians are known to be actively tampering with AIS in the Black Sea region, an event of this magnitude is unusual. Dozens of vessels, from bulkers to tankers and tugs, constantly appear and disappear at an incredible speed of more than 40 knots (and sometimes more than 100 knots).

For example, AIS data from June 4 showed the crude oil tanker Coatlique (IMO: 9235000) moving at 102.2 knots while at anchor. The situation is the same at Gelendzhik airport. Some ships “float” at a speed of 50 knots on the runway of the airport.

A similar case of GPS spoofing was observed at the end of March this year.