Suspected Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker seized in North Sea

Belgium has seized the oil tanker Ethera, believed to be part of Russia's so-called shadow fleet. Special forces, assisted by French helicopters, boarded the ship in a clandestine operation in the North Sea, Theo Francken said. Prosecutors said the vessel was flying the flag of Guinea and was believed to be returning to Russia when it was intercepted in Belgium's exclusive economic zone.

Belgian federal prosecutors said the ship's captain, a Russian citizen, was being questioned and a criminal investigation had been opened. Documents found on board were suspected of being false. The Ethera was escorted to Zeebrugge harbour, where Francken said it will be officially confiscated.

The seizure comes as western naval forces have intensified tracking of shadow fleet vessels since the start of the year. The US, the UK, France and Germany have increased surveillance and raised their readiness to board ships using helicopters.

Belgium, Zeebrugge

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