• France's Foreign Minister announced the release of the sanctioned tanker Grinch.
• The tanker paid several million euros after a three-week detention.
• Intercepted for allegedly being part of Russia's "shadow fleet" evading sanctions.

French authorities have released the oil tanker Grinch, suspected of being part of Russia’s sanctioned "shadow fleet," which was detained for weeks off the coast of Marseille. The tanker was intercepted by French forces last month and underwent a costly three-week immobilization at the Fos-sur-Mer port, leading to a significant financial penalty. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated, "Circumventing European sanctions comes at a price. Russia will no longer be able to finance its war with impunity through a ghost fleet off our coasts," emphasizing the cost incurred by the tanker during its detention. Reports indicate the fine amounted to "several million euros," although the exact figure was not disclosed, according to aa, lemonde, and latimes.

The Grinch was reportedly operating under a flag from the Comoros and came under scrutiny for allegedly not flying a valid flag during its journey from Russia. French maritime oil authorities and the judiciary confirmed that the ownership of the vessel was subjected to legal proceedings, leading to its fine for breaching sanctions against Russia due to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. This vessel was deemed to be part of a larger fleet, reportedly comprising over 400 ships used by Russia to bypass Western sanctions, according to lemonde and latimes.

Prior to its release, the Grinch's crew, of Indian nationality, remained on board while the situation was resolved legally. This incident is part of France's broader efforts to enforce sanctions and combat the practices of vessels associated with Russia's oil shipping. As Barrot noted, this approach signifies a commitment to ensuring that sanctions are respected and that evasion tactics utilized by the cruise are met with legal repercussions, as indicated by aa, lemonde, and latimes.