A foreign vessel linked to illegal operations for Russia has been detained in Odesa port while transporting Ukrainian agricultural products from Crimea. The ship frequently altered its name and ownership to evade sanctions.

This was reported on Wednesday, December 10, by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

Sanctions in Place
The SBU determined that the owner of the detained vessel was under sanctions imposed by the National Security and Defense Council. To conceal its activities, the owner repeatedly changed the ship's name and fictitious beneficiaries from third countries.
The cargo ship entered Odesa port under the flag of an African nation to load steel pipes, but during inspection, it was revealed that it had previously operated in Russia's interests.

Illegal Trips to Crimea
According to investigations, prior to the full-scale war, the vessel made at least seven trips to Sevastopol for the illegal export of Ukrainian products. In January 2021, it transported nearly 7,000 tons of grain from the occupied peninsula to North Africa.

At the time of the arrest, there were a captain and 16 crew members on board, who were citizens of various Middle Eastern countries. During the search of the cargo ship, plans for trips, pilot cards, maps, and radio communication logs indicating illegal activities in Crimean ports were found.

Penalties Imposed
The SBU stated that criminal cases have been initiated under four articles, including state treason, financing actions against Ukraine, and violations of entry regulations to occupied territories. The vessel will be transferred to the management of the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA).

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that law enforcement uncovered a scheme for the illegal sale of decommissioned military vessels intended for disposal. There are also plans in Ukraine to consolidate the Danube cluster ports under a single administration.