Overview

• French prosecutors opened an investigation after the crew failed to prove the vessel’s registration and did not comply with instructions.
• The tanker, reported under the Benin flag and known as Boracay or Pushpa, is listed under EU and UK sanctions and has changed names and registries repeatedly.
• AFP reported that the two detained crew members who claimed to be the captain are Chinese nationals.
• The ship left Russia on September 20 bound for India and was near Danish waters around September 22 when multiple suspicious drones were reported over Denmark, a link that remains under investigation and is denied by Moscow.
• From Copenhagen, Macron said the shadow fleet helps finance 30–40% of Russia’s war costs, warned violating drones could be destroyed, and outlined plans to coordinate tougher at‑sea checks with NATO partners.