Belgian authorities have seized an oil tanker suspected of helping Russia bypass European Union sanctions, after the vessel was intercepted overnight near the Belgian coast in the North Sea.
The operation was carried out by the Belgian Navy within the country’s exclusive economic zone. Officials say the tanker, identified as the Ethera, was sailing under a false flag and using falsified ship documents. The ship was reportedly registered under the flag of Guinea.
Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken confirmed the operation, stressing that Belgium takes its role in European and NATO security seriously.
France also supported the mission. According to French President Emmanuel Macron, French naval helicopters assisted Belgian forces during the boarding of the tanker.
European officials say the move is part of broader efforts by the European Union to enforce sanctions against Moscow following its war against Ukraine. The EU has previously identified dozens of vessels believed to be part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”, ships used to transport oil while attempting to evade international restrictions.
Authorities emphasize that these sanctioned vessels are banned from docking at European ports, and enforcement actions like this aim to cut off financial resources linked to Russia’s war effort.
