French and UK forces intercept Russian tanker Tagor evading sanctions.

French naval forces, reinforced by the United Kingdom, have successfully intercepted a Russian oil tanker suspected of evading international sanctions.

President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the operation on Monday, revealing that the vessel named Tagor was boarded last Sunday in the Atlantic Ocean.

The ship departed from Murmansk in northwestern Russia and was found flying a false Cameroonian flag while attempting to reach Limbe in western Cameroon.

Macron stated that allowing such vessels to operate is unacceptable because they finance a war that has lasted over four years against Ukraine.

He further warned that these ships violate maritime laws and pose a severe threat to environmental safety and global security.

Authorities noted that the tanker was nearly empty when boarded, suggesting it was being used specifically to transport illicit cargoes under a deceptive identity.

Tracking data indicates the ship recently sailed off Norway under a Madagascan flag before being diverted more than 400 nautical miles west of Brittany.

This incident highlights the sophisticated methods Russia employs to bypass sanctions using a massive shadow fleet comprising hundreds of vessels.

The French navy has already detained several other ships since September, though previous crews were sometimes released after paying significant fines.

Earlier this year, French courts issued arrest warrants for captains of the Boracay and the Grinch, demonstrating the growing legal pressure on these operations.

Russia's reliance on oil revenue remains critical for funding its prolonged conflict, prompting Western nations to tighten restrictions on these shadow fleets.

Despite these efforts, Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned the detentions as acts of piracy, escalating the diplomatic tensions between Moscow and Europe.

France has announced plans to double penalties for vessels that refuse to comply with flag requirements or international trade regulations.

The interception of the Tagor marks another significant step in cracking down on the network that undermines global economic sanctions.