The captain, a Russian citizen, faces up to one year in jail and a EUR150,000 ($174,000) fine for sailing without a flag and for refusing to comply with orders at sea. The vessel also faces possible confiscation, prosecutor Stéphane Kellenberger said in a press release. The shipowner, whose identity is still being established, could face the same penalties.
President Emmanuel Macron said the French navy intercepted and detained a Russian tanker on May 31 that is subject to international sanctions. The interception occurred in the Atlantic Ocean.
Le Monde reported the vessel was sailing under a false
Cameroonian flag. After its detention, the tanker was escorted by the French
navy to Douarnenez Bay in the Finistère department, where prosecutors opened an
investigation.