The Russian Federation is conducting illegal oil transfer operations in international waters near Greece, using uninsured tankers while circumventing international sanctions.

This information was provided by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

Since July 2024, the Russian tanker IMO 9247443, lacking Western insurance, has been illegally transferring oil between vessels in international waters close to Greece and Cyprus.

The agency highlights that these operations are opaque, pose threats to environmental safety, and allow evasion of sanctions monitoring.

According to the GUR MO of Ukraine, this tanker is utilized as a floating hub for supplying Russian oil that is under sanctions. The War&Sanctions portal has published details about 577 vessels, of which 159 are active participants in Russia's 'shadow fleet', along with the names of 55 captains.

Russia actively employs schemes involving AIS shutdowns, nighttime STS operations, navigation data spoofing, and the registration of shell companies. Tanker operations often occur at night without lighting and insurance, increasing the risk of major accidents.