The Security Service of Ukraine has neutralized another scheme used by Russia to bypass international sanctions. As a result of comprehensive measures, an international criminal group was exposed that, on behalf of Russia, was involved in purchasing maritime vessels for the aggressor state’s so-called “shadow fleet.”
According to the investigation, the group included Ukrainian citizens and foreigners.
Case materials show that the suspects searched for and purchased suitable vessels in European countries, handled their legal documentation, and recruited crews. After that, the ships sailed into open sea, switched off their navigation and tracking equipment, and moved to a designated point in neutral waters, where they were secretly transferred to the Russian side.
Available data indicates that Russia uses these vessels for its oil industry needs as part of its so-called “shadow fleet.”
The SSU documented how the group supplied the aggressor state with tugboats used to escort large oil tankers when entering ports.
Security Service officers detained one of the group members who was located in Ukraine. During searches, computers and smartphones containing evidence of the scheme were seized.
He has been formally charged under Part 1 of Article 111-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (aiding an aggressor state). The suspect faces up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
The SSU continues investigative and operational actions regarding other members of the scheme, including citizens of third countries. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.
